The nature of parks is changing: the equipment that is. Swings, slides, and monkey bars for the kids may now sit alongside elliptical trainers, leg-press, or quad machines for the teens and adults.
Outdoor gyms have been a phenomenon in Europe for about 15 years. But in the past three years they are growing at "an incredible rate" in Canada and elsewhere.
Community groups like the new trend. "It’s just as important to get people out as it is to get them pumped up. If a leg press machine at a park gets you to a park, then all the better, regardless of how tough the exercise might be."
One organizer said, “We need more people with excuses to be outdoors."
For example, see what several companies have in outdoor fitness equipment.