AARP Sponsors Outdoor Fitness Park on Kaua`i's North Shore

Princeville, Kauai — AARP Hawai`i, the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay, and the Princeville at Hanalei Community Association are pleased to open an AARP-Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park on Kaua`i’s North Shore, a long-term investment in the health of residents.

“Health and wellbeing are central to our lives. AARP is proud to provide this vibrant, accessible AARP-Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park to the local community on Kauai`i’s North Shore,” said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. “Support for healthy aging has been a priority for AARP since our founding more than 60 years ago. AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Parks also help bring communities together in safe and healthy ways, which is particularly important as we navigate new phases of staying active during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

A growing number of studies link exercise not only to cardiovascular health and an increased life span, but also to lower rates of depression, dementia and other issues.

With today’s dedication, AARP has sponsored a fitness park in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to commemorate the organization’s 60th anniversary in 2019. The fitness parks have been designed and built to serve communities for a decade or more. The first AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park opened in St. Petersburg, Fla., in April 2019. AARP is working with FitLot, a 501c3 organization dedicated to helping communities find the resources they need to plan and build outdoor fitness parks. Each park includes FitLotTM exercise equipment and comes with programming designed to meet a wide range of fitness levels and abilities. FitLot’s programming includes protocols and instruction on how to safely operate the equipment, even as the nation copes with the pandemic. The fitness parks should only be used when permitted by local authorities in compliance with CDC guidance.

“AARP Hawai`i is pleased to provide a place where everyone on Kauai’s North Shore can gather and exercise” said Keali`i Lopez, AARP Hawai`i State Director. “Regular exercise can be fun and healthy and we encourage residents of all ages to safely use the equipment.”

“We thank AARP for its generous donation that allows us to take a giant step towards our larger vision of creating an enjoyable Kupuna Park experience with walkable ADA pathways and a spacious Aloha Pavilion where kupuna and families can gather” said Bill Schilling, co-president of the Rotary Club of Hanalei. “We’re also holding classes to help people safely use the fitness park equipment. Find out about the classes at kauaikupunaplace.org.”

Consult with your doctor prior to beginning any new exercise regimen. AARP also has tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on visiting an open recreational facility:

· Bring sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to wipe down the equipment before and after you use it;
· Keep your distance (6 feet) from anyone who is not in your household;
· Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use sanitizer after using the equipment, going to the bathroom and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing;
· And stay home if you are sick with, tested positive for COVID-19, or were recently (within 14 days) exposed to COVID-19.

For a list of open AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Parks, visit: