LAS CRUCES – AARP New Mexico and the City of Las Cruces recently announced the completion of an AARP-sponsored outdoor fitness park in Las Cruces, which they see as a long-term investment in the health of residents.
The new park is located at the Henry Benavidez Community Center, 1045 McClure Rd. An official ribbon cut is planned for later this year, organization officials said.
“Health and wellbeing are at the heart of our lives. AARP is proud to bring this vibrant, accessible, AARP-sponsored outdoor fitness park to the local community in Las Cruces, ”said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins in a press release. “Supporting healthy aging has been a priority for AARP since we were founded more than 60 years ago. AARP sponsored outdoor fitness parks also help bring communities together in safe and healthy ways, which is especially important as we navigate new phases of staying active during the COVID-19 pandemic. “
A growing body of studies links exercise not only with cardiovascular health and longer lifespan, but also with lower rates of depression, dementia and other problems, the press release said.
“We all know the importance of staying active and getting more exercise, especially as we get older,” said Joseph P. Sanchez, director of the AARP New Mexico state. “The fitness park’s equipment will enable people of all abilities to exercise regularly while enjoying the beautiful New Mexico sunshine. When we return to our normal activities, the park will be a place where people can re-establish social connections. Combine that with the courses the city wants to offer and this park will meet the needs of many people. “
The Ministry of Parks and Recreation of the City of Las Cruces will offer AARP-sponsored outdoor fitness classes from fall 2021. These FitLot method courses are taught free of charge by fitness professionals in the fitness park.
“I appreciate and am grateful for all the efforts and work of everyone who invested in the completion of the AARP-sponsored Las Cruces fitness park,” said Mayor Ken Miyagishima. “We attach great importance to the health, well-being and quality of life for all residents of Las Cruces. I hope that you too will enjoy this wonderful fitness park a lot. ”
A list of the open AARP-sponsored outdoor fitness parks can be found at https://fitlot.org/parks/.
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