Six New Fitness Zone® Gyms Placed In South Los Angeles Parks

Kaiser Permanente, The Trust for Public Land, and the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles are helping people be more active, thanks to several outdoor, all-weather equipped Fitness Zone® installations popping up at public parks. Los Angeles City Councilmember Jan Perry, District 9, today will dedicate the first of six Fitness Zone installations in the South Los Angeles area.

“According to the LA County Department of Public Health, 37.8 percent of adults are obese in the community surrounding South Park,” said Perry. “This Fitness Zone, made possible by Kaiser Permanente and CRA/LA, will provide much-needed free physical activity opportunities for the entire neighborhood.”

“Kaiser Permanente wants to ensure good health extends beyond our doors,” said Diana Bont, RN, DrPH, Vice President, Public Affairs, Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region. “Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles City Councilmember Jan Perry and the Trust for Public Land have come together to provide Fitness Zone installations in Los Angeles parks because we know that healthy communities and a healthy environment are critical to individual health and wellness.”

“We are proud to partner with Kaiser Permanente and Community Redevelopment Agency to create these fitness zones,” said Sam Hodder, California Director of The Trust for Public Land. “We know that exercise is important to good health and giving local residents a nearby place where they can work out provides a vital tool to improving their well-being.”

The six Fitness Zone installations in the South Los Angeles area will be located at:

48th Street Park
4800 S. Hoover
Los Angeles, CA 90037

Gilbert Lindsay Comm Ctr Pk429 E. 42nd Place
Los Angeles, CA 90011

Fred Roberts Rec
4700 South Honduras
Los Angeles, CA 90011

Slauson Rec
5306 Compton Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90011-4918

South Park
345 E 51st St.
Los Angeles, CA 90011

Trinity Rec
2415 Trinity St.
Los Angeles, CA 90011

Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit has provided $900,000 in Healthy Eating, Active Living grants over a 3-year period (2008 – 2010) to the Trust for Public Land to support their ability to expand the zones as part of park development and revitalization, park planning and acquisition, as well as advocate for green space and parks and provide expertise to cities and communities as they plan for more open space.

With the creation of outdoor exercise centers in established community parks, the Trust for Public Land has introduced more people to the benefits of exercise and made 11 Los Angeles-area parks safer, more inviting, and more active.

“The Fitness Zone installations in South Los Angeles help meet our healthy neighborhoods goals by greening and beautifying our project areas and also by assisting in the personal health and well-being of families who live in the communities we serve,” said Alejandro Ortiz, CRA/LA Commissioner.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks has been involved every step of the way, from mapping the site to final inspections. The department and will provide continued oversight and maintenance of the Fitness Zones. The all-weather equipment is ideal for any fitness level and for ages 13 and up.

“Studies have shown that providing free and easy to use exercise equipment dramatically increases the opportunity to engage in physical activity,” said Jon Mukri, General Manager, City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. “The Fitness Zones have become hubs of community activity by creating a group atmosphere that feels social and helps people be more active.”

About Kaiser Permanente: Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 3.3 million members in Southern California. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.

The Trust for Public Land is a national land conservation organization dedicated to conserving land for people as parks, greenways, urban parks, and natural areas for future generations. Since it was founded in 1972, TPL has protected more than 2.8 million acres nationwide. TPL depends upon the support of individuals, foundations, and corporations.