By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LULING — St. Charles Parish government authorities joined parish Parks and Recreation officials and United Way of St. Charles to break ground on new fitness trails for two parish parks Dec. 10.

The new trails will be located at the East Bank and West Bank Bridge Parks.

Parish Director of Parks and Recreation Duane Foret said regular exercise is shown to improve physical and mental health, and one of the department’s goals is to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles for parish residents.

“We are thrilled to partner with United Way of St. Charles to provide new enjoyable options to get everyone in the family moving,” Foret said, adding Parks and Recreation and United Way of St. Charles is “always in collaboration to see how we can enhance our community and make it better.”

The fitness trails will feature numerous exercise stations, including a chest press, leg press, elliptical trainer and rowing machine. The trails will be padded by recycled rubber tile surfacing to provide a safe and comfortable area for individuals and families to work out.

“United Way is constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of life in St. Charles Parish,” John Dias, executive director of United Way, said. “Utilizing focus groups of community leaders, health experts and public officials, we recognize the importance of a healthy community and are pleased to offer residents additional access to fun, physical activities.”

Both fitness trails are expected to open in January, and officials said the $60,000 project is possible through the generosity of donors and the St. Charles Parish Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information about United Way of St. Charles, visit uwaysc.org or call 985-331-9063.