New outdoor gym equipment is here and will be installed in City Park

I don’t know about you, but at this time of year, I am ready to get outside and do things. I want to get off my exercise bike at home and actually ride my bike along the roads. I want to go for walks without having to bundle up. I want to enjoy the sun on my face and the breeze in what is left of my hair.

 Well, if you are like me, you may be interested in the things I’d like to talk about this week.  

 With the events going on in Ukraine and the effect this has had on gas prices, we all may be thinking more about walking in the near future. Have you ever thought about ways to make Weiser more walkable? 

 It just so happens that coming up in April, on the 26th and 27th, there will be a “Walkability” training session at the Vendome sponsored by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare through their local extension, Southwest District Health. 

 The day and a half training session will be for local decision makers and interested parties to learn:

 • What makes Weiser walkable.

 • How walking enhances health and economic outcomes.

 • How planning and design policies impact walking.

 • How to conduct a “walking audit.”

 • How to advocate for changes in community design.

 • About available technical resources

 The City Council members and a few other community players have already been contacted about this training. The response has been positive. In the next few days, I will be reaching out to other leaders within the community and the surrounding area to urge their participation. 

 If you are unable to commit to the full day and a half, but can spend a half day, the first morning would be what you would want to attend for a concentrated education. The training looks like it is designed to be just as much fun as it is informative. So, if you would like to attend this free training, you can RSVP to Daniel Adams at Southwest District Health. His telephone number is 208-296-0847. I hope to see you there!

 Also, you may start seeing something new in the northwest corner of City Park (the one next to the Courthouse) in the next couple of weeks. The outdoor gym equipment, purchased by Weiser Memorial Hospital, mainly by employee donations, finally arrived a few weeks ago. It was originally anticipated to be here late last summer, the space was prepped in the park, the concrete was poured, but as with so many other things, it was delayed due to shipping issues. Once it arrived, we needed to wait until freezing temperatures would not create issues with the installation. Now it’s ready to go! 

 I would like to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to the WEISER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES and to other contributors who donated this very generous gift to the City for the park! You are demonstrating your commitment to the health and well being to this community in this practical and valuable way! THANK YOU!

 Well, that’s it for this week. I hope you enjoy whatever activity you choose for yourself out there!