The Camrose Primary Care Network (PCN) is excited to announce they have been selected as a successful applicant for the Alberta Blue Cross Healthy Communities Grant in the amount of $50,000.  

Recognizing the significant role an active lifestyle plays in improving health, well-being and quality of life, the Camrose PCN will be putting the funding towards the purchase and installation of a community outdoor gym at Jubilee Park in Camrose. Installation will begin this summer with a grand opening scheduled for early fall.

“A key focus of our community involvements at Alberta Blue Cross is promoting health and wellness in communities across Alberta,” says Brian Geislinger, Vice-President of Alberta Blue Cross. “This is a great project, and we’re really pleased to support the Camrose Primary Care Network in providing innovative options to help Camrose residents keep active.” Through its Healthy Communities Grant Program, Alberta Blue Cross is investing $1 million, over a five-year period, to support and promote active living in communities across Alberta.

The Camrose PCN is working together with two key partners, the City of Camrose and the Camrose Healthy Lifestyle Coalition, working collaboratively to bring the vision of an outdoor gym for the community of Camrose to fruition.  

“The Camrose PCN is very pleased to partner with the City of Camrose and the Camrose Healthy Lifestyle Coalition”, says Stacey Strilchuk, Camrose PCN Executive Director.  “They not only have an interest in the promotion and awareness of  leading an active lifestyle to prevent and manage chronic disease, but also value working together in a way that is meaningful and relevant to our community members in their journey towards health and well-being.”   

Outdoor gyms are gaining momentum, offering an alternative for people wanting to become more active and stay healthy. They consist of exercise equipment to suit all needs and, instead of weights, uses one’s own body weight for resistance. The fitness equipment allows for a wide variety of flexibility, mobility, range-of-motion, cardio, and strengthening moves to provide a well-rounded workout . The Camrose Outdoor Gym, which will be free for users, is going to be suitable for all ages and fitness levels as well as accessible to all members of the community.  
    
Jubilee Park was selected as the location for the Community Outdoor Gym because of it's central location and being adjacent to walking and bicycle trails. It is also within walking distance to many recreational activities/venues as well University of Alberta Augustana Campus and City Centre. Jubilee Park area is also a popular recreation and gathering place for people and families to meet and has a newly constructed playground, making it an ideal spot to install the equipment.

“The Camrose PCN physician and health care provider team is grateful to Alberta Blue Cross Healthy Communities Grant, the City of Camrose and the Camrose Healthy Lifestyle for their support of this project,” says Strilchuk.  “Having a free, accessible and easy to use outdoor community gym for our residents is important as we continue to work with our partners in encouraging active and healthy lifestyles.”

Photo left to right: Chris Clarkson – Community Services City of Camrose, Mayor of Camrose Norm Mayer, Camrose PCN Executive Director Stacey Strilchuk, Lucy Ernst representing the Camrose Healthy Lifestyle Coalition Camrose PCN Physician Lead Dr. Chris Nichol.