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- Fitness signs installed at Fifth Ward Park in St. Helena Parish
(10/16/20) AMITE CITY, La. — New fitness signs have been installed along the trail at Fifth Ward Park located between Montpelier and Amite, Louisiana.
“The signs have added to the beautification of the park,” said Oliver Jackson, Fifth Ward Park Board member. “The signs allow walkers to understand the added health benefits of walking.”
The half-mile trail now features signs demonstrating how to warm up, check your heart rate and use park benches to exercise. The new signs also provide information on the walking trail distances and the benefits of exercising and staying hydrated.
“Walking is a form of physical activity that everyone can participate in because it is free,” said Marquetta Anderson, LSU AgCenter agent and St. Helena Healthy Communities Coalition facilitator.
“Being physically active daily is an important part of a healthy lifestyle,” she added. “Physical activity has so many benefits. It helps us to stay healthy, be at a healthy weight and prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, some cancers and heart disease. It also helps us sleep better and improves our mood.”
The fitness signs were developed and installed through a partnership between the St. Helena Healthy Communities Coalition, LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed and the Fifth Ward Park Board.
“More people are more inclined to use the walking trail because there are signs that provide information,” said community member Major Coleman.
The park includes a multipurpose community center that serves as a storm relief facility and a rental for special occasions.
The partner organizations hope that the signs increase the use of the walking trail by helping residents understand the value of walking and being physically active.
For more information about the fitness signs or to join the next St. Helena Healthy Communities Coalition meeting, contact Marquetta Anderson at maanderson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 225-222-4136.
Signs demonstrating park bench exercises are installed along the Fifth Ward Park walking trail by community members Major Coleman, left, and Henry Pitts. Photo by Marquetta Anderson/LSU AgCenter
Community members Major Coleman, left, and Larry Freeman install a sign with walking trail distances in Fifth Ward Park. Photo by Marquetta Anderson/LSU AgCenter