How Three Parks Directors Channeled Resources Into Outdoor Recreation and Fitness Courses

Unnamed Headshot
Img 0180
Photo courtesy of Greenfields Outdoor Fitness

New outdoor spaces equipped with dedicated fitness and recreation equipment — sometimes alternately referred to as Ninja courses, fitness courts and obstacle courses — are popping up in city and county parks all over the country. They’re intended to broaden user bases while also expanding the definition of free, outdoor recreation. 

“Outdoor fitness equipment has really changed over the years. I remember there used to just be a steel bar to do pullups and a wooden platform to do sit-ups,” says Troy Houtman, Park & Recreation director for Wichita, Kan., where an outdoor “Fitness Court” opened in May at a city park serving a large Hispanic population. “The new equipment has a QR code that will give you videos of exercises and track your training. Our goal is to put an outdoor fitness center in each of Wichita’s six districts.”

Log in to view the full article
Page 1 of 469
Next Page
Buyer's Guide
Information on more than 3,000 companies, sorted by category. Listings are updated daily.
Learn More
Buyer's Guide
AB Show 2025 in San Diego
AB Show is a solution-focused event for athletics, fitness, recreation and military professionals.
Nov. 5-8, 2025
Learn More
AB Show 2025