LULING — Officials with St. Charles Parish Government, Parks and Recreation and the United Way of St. Charles recently cut ribbons on new fitness pads located at the East Bank & West Bank Bridge Parks.

“Projects like these new fitness areas not only help advance the United Way’s mission to improve the community but also illustrate how collaborations can double the positive impact of a given project,” Executive Director of United Way John Dias said. “In this case, we are very appreciative of the collaboration with our Parish Government and Parks and Recreation Department.”

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

Additionally, United Way of St. Charles has sponsored the installation of a brand new drinking water fountain at the West Bank Bridge Park levee path.

It includes a traditional foundation, as well as a bottle-filling fountain.

“The fitness pads and water fountain are part of a larger ongoing health initiative being led by United Way of St. Charles,” said Kacy Kernan, director of community impact for United Way. “We are in the process of kicking off Get Fit United, a comprehensive health and wellness program focused on helping people to change their lives. In partnership with Anytime Fitness, Creative Family Solutions and Ochsner Corporate Wellness, we will utilize these new editions at the Bridge Parks and are excited to share them with the community as well.”

The $60,000 fitness project would not have been possible without the generosity of donors and the St. Charles Parish Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, visit uwaysc.org or call 985-331-9063.