Fairfield promotes exercise en plein air

The town of Fairfield has used its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to install what at first glance might look like a playground for seniors.

Located adjacent to the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, the area is equipped with a wide rubber pad like might be found around some playscapes, a mini-obstacle course, an outdoor xylophone, and swing sets. But it also has leg presses, ellipticals, and instructions about how the equipment can be best used to maximize workout effectiveness and safety.

“The objective of the fresh air fitness center is to reconnect aging residents with community services, promote physical activity, and mitigate the negative impacts of isolation and unmet social needs exacerbated by the pandemic,” said Fairfield Human and Social Services Director Julie DeMarco ahead of the ribbon cutting declaring the facility open.

“The state put aside money specifically for senior centers and we were lucky enough to get a great allotment,” DeMarco said. “Our idea was to put an outdoor fitness area for people who aren’t quite comfortable coming back inside for exercise classes, and hopefully we can also draw them over to do more in the Senior Center.”

Clair Cote, the senior center coordinator and municipal liaison for the Connecticut Bureau of Aging  was also on hand, and praised the work involved in bringing the project to fruition.

“We are the department that really helps to maximize people’s independence through supportive services for folks who are older or younger with disabilities in the state of Connecticut,” Cote said. “Over the past couple of years we’ve been able to appropriate funds for a dedicated senior center coordinator and municipal liaison and that is a role I am absolutely honored to be in.”

Cote said that the ARPA funding was particularly exciting, as every senior center seems to use it for different purposes.

“Some senior centers were going to bring in a belly dancer and unique entertainment, or were going to expand hours. Or they really need to upgrade their HVAC system or buy a dishwasher. Westport put in a pollinator trail, and now Fairfield has this,” Cote said with a gesture at the brand new equipment behind her. “How cool is that?”

According to Cote significant research supports the value of play and physical activity in overall vitality and health, especially for aging populations.

Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber was on hand to cut the ribbon declaring the park open, but insisted his role in the fitness facility’s establishment was minor.

“I take no credit for this other than as a Representative Town Meeting Member, I did vote for this use of ARPA money,” Gerber said. “But really, all the credit for the idea goes to Julie and her staff, and Anthony Calabrese in Parks and Rec for this vision.”

Gerber also noted that while conceived during the early part of the pandemic, Covid remains a threat with cases rising once again. Outdoor activity remains the safest option, particularly for older citizens and the immunocompromised.

“And nothing against belly dancing,” Gerber added, “I think it’s cool. But this is permanent and could become a regular part of people’s routine. Hopefully people will walk here, and make this part of their regular routine.”

Gerber added that he had personal experience with why the facility would likely be in demand.

“I’m finding myself with long hours, and you have to be able to get out and get some exercise. It could be 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes. I’m getting zero minutes right now and I can feel it.”