The Salem City Council Monday night awarded a bid for the purchase of fitness equipment that will be placed along the Bryan Memorial Park walking trail.
Public Works Director Annette Brushwitz says city crews will be pouring concrete pads near the center and north end of the trail for the various pieces of equipment.
“Everything that is there you use your own bodyweight to utilize the machine. There is a leg press, overhead press with your arms, there are some situp machines, pullups and different things like that. There are six different types of exercises. Each piece will have a short description to show you how to use the equipment correctly and you will be able to get a whole-body workout with the equipment that is out there.”
The city approved a bid from Hutchison Recreation at a cost of $30,750 for the equipment. That’s nine-thousand dollars below estimate. The savings will be used towards the construction of the sand volleyball courts that will cost more than anticipated.
Brushwitz says there will also be lighting improvements to the walking trail. She is working with Ameren for the placement of at least two poles that will hold at least four LED lights.
“All of those lights will shine down the trail on both sides and then out across the park at the parts of the trail that is more in the wooded areas and it’s a little bit darker.”
Brushwitz says they will also be adding some benches along the nature trail to allow those utilizing the trail or exercise equipment to rest. Ground prep for all of the park improvements, including the Inclusive Playground, will begin in the next few weeks. The goal is to have all of the improvements completed by the end of fall.
The city has received an OSLAD grant that will pay for half of the cost of the project. Fundraising coordinated by the Salem Lion’s Club and a Lion’s International Grant is paying for much of the rest of the cost.
