Two grants have spurred amenity improvements for all ages at Eldon's city parks.
Visitors to Rock Island Park in Eldon saw the installation of a new adult fitness area on Aug. 18. Michele Griswold, Healthy Community coordinator at Capital Region Medical Center, secured a grant from the Miller County Health Department to put in four pieces of adult fitness equipment at the park. The equipment includes a sit-down abdominal machine, elliptical-style machine and two other apparatuses to boost physical fitness for park users.
"Griswold received the grant, and we worked together on where we were going to put it," said Brandon Stark, Eldon parks and recreation manager.
Stark said Rock Island Park has been designated as the healthy hub of Eldon and has received multiple new and upgraded amenities during recent years as part of the Healthy Schools Healthy Communities (HSHC) initiative.
"We recently installed a walking trail that was part of the community wellness grant," Stark said. "We may move into other areas, but (Rock Island Park) has really come a long way in the last two years."
HSHC empowers communities to build a healthier future for children and families across Missouri. An initiative of Missouri Foundation for Health, HSHC brings together schools, community organizations, businesses, parents and residents to increase access to healthy food and physical activity where children live, learn and play.
Capital Region Healthy Communities and the Healthy Schools Healthy Communities initiative in Eldon have made strides toward improved access to healthy food and physical activity in the community.
Since 2014, major changes and improvements have already happened in Eldon. One of the larger projects was the revitalization of Rock Island Park, which included a new walking path and the beginning stages of the Rock Island Depot redevelopment.
Other initiatives include healthy concession stands; Fit Family Classes; the creation of the Eat Out, Eat Right Healthy Dining Guide; a partnership with the Eldon Farmers Market; community walking challenges; installation of bike racks; and offering healthy cooking classes, Griswold said.
During the next three years, HSHC has plans to improve all crosswalks in Eldon and designate specific bike lanes throughout the community.
The city of Eldon also received a $20,000 grant from the Miller County Health Department earlier this spring to upgrade its playground borders and mulch.