The Leadership Macon Class of 2017 invites the media, partners, and public to the official Grand Opening of its community project, a Fitness Circuit at Amerson River Park. The event will be held at the Circuit on Wednesday, August 29 at 10:00 a.m. People can park in the lot by the playground and follow the signs to the Circuit.

The Circuit includes eight pieces gym-quality exercise equipment (including instructions on how to maximize use of each machine) from Greenfields Outdoor Fitness which can serve up to 23 people at once. To fund the Fitness Circuit, the Class of 2017 raised more than $45,000 in direct sponsorships and more than $10,000 from in-kind donations from corporate and community members.

The Class (made up of 49 members) picked the Fitness Circuit to help combat the rise in community obesity and decline in overall health. It is a one-of-a-kind amenity in the Macon-Bibb community and makes physical activity and fitness equipment more enjoyable, free, and accessible. The project has a purpose to reduce the barriers such as access and money to a life of health and well-being, and it can serve a diverse range of users, including children, adults and those with physical limitations.

"Our class wanted to find a project that would be of lasting impact to our community and hopefully leave our neighbors a little better off than they were before," says Class representative Spencer Hawkins. "Having the ability to pay for an expensive gym membership should not be an obstacle to leading a healthy lifestyle."

The Fitness Circuit will also enhance the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and Amerson River Park. Leadership Macon worked alongside the local public and private organizations, especially NewTown Macon and Macon-Bibb County, which have already invested in the area.

“Putting the Fitness Circuit here was a great idea because thousands of people come here every week, and there’s rarely a time when there aren’t people jogging or walking along the trails,” says Parks & Beautification Director Sam Kitchens. “Already, this has been a popular addition to the Park, and I know more and more people will use it as they realize it’s here.”

"The Ocmulgee Heritage Trail that connects with Amerson River Park is one of the few amenities that benefits the entire community, and NewTown is anxious to work with everyone who has good ideas, energy, and resources to improve and expand the Trail," said NewTown Macon President and CEO Josh Rogers, "We are deeply grateful to Leadership Macon Class of 2017 for adding this substantial improvement to Amerson River Park and the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail system.”