The City of Sweet Home accepted a grant that will help fund an outdoor fitness court next to City Hall.
City Manager Jason Ogden said during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24, the National Fitness Campaign awarded Sweet Home $35,000 toward installation of its National Fitness Court in the park at City Hall.
Ogden described the court as a “compact outdoor gym system roughly the size of a half of a basketball court,” that would have steel workout stations for cardio, strength, resistance training, balance and mobility exercises.
The court is part of an overall system designed by National Fitness Campaign that includes access to a training app for every level of fitness ability and support to build a Fitness Court Ambassador program.
The National Fitness Campaign requires the city match the grant with an additional $185,000 plus the cost of a concrete slab, which would be accounted for in the general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027.
“We have limited outdoor fitness amenities,” Ogden said. “This installation would expand recreational opportunities, particularly on the east side of town, an area that’s currently underserved.”
The council approved acceptance of the grant and its terms 6-1. Councilor Angelita Sanchez opposed the decision, citing concerns about cost to the city, insurance coverage and competition with a local fitness business.
Completion is expected in late summer or early fall this year.
Learn more at NationalFitnessCampaign.com.
In other business, the council:
Held a work session for goal setting ideas.
Reaffirmed an intergovernmental agreement for the Managing Oregon Resources More Efficiently (MORE) program organized through Marion County.
Directed Ogden to finalize a contract with North Santiam Paving Co. for Phase III at Sankey Park, which includes an ADA sidewalk and hard surface trail, additional lighting and seating.
