Shinnecock Canal Maritime Park now has a new attraction for the local community, according to Southampton Town Parks and Recreation officials.
After several months of planning, a ribbon cutting for the opening of a new fitness path and exercise equipment circuit will be held on Tuesday, November 25 at 3:00pm.
Funding for this project was provided through a combination of Community Development Block Grant funding and Town Board appropriations. Parks Department and Housing & Community Development personnel have “worked diligently to bring funding to qualifying projects like this, and many others,” they reported.
In the Town’s pursuit to offer more inclusive and ADA compliant facilities, the new exercise equipment that flanks the fitness path is designed to include people with special needs and disabilities. The path and equipment will be open for public use at no charge. While the walking path is open to all ages, users must be at least 14 years old, or have adult supervision to use the equipment. “This will be a wonderful asset for our community,” stated Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara stated. “It provides accessible, outdoor space for community members of all ages and abilities to stay active, regardless of whether they can afford a gym membership. This initiative truly supports the health and well-being of our residents, and I’m really excited to see this come to fruition.”
The fitness path itself is one-sixth of a mile long with seven stations offering the following exercise units:
- Accessible Hand Cycle
- Recumbent Bike
- 4-Person Leg Press
- 2-Person Accessible Chest Press
- Balance Steps
- 4-Person Lower Body Combo
- Two- Person Air Walker
- 2-Person Pull-Up Station
Each station provides soft cushion surfacing and an amazing view of the Shinnecock Canal. The Maritime Park is open from dawn to dusk and located adjacent to the Parks and Recreation administration offices at 6 Newtown Road in Hampton Bays.
“The project is a perfect next step to the improvements made at the facility a couple of years ago when we installed a paved parking lot, ADA sidewalks, and a covered pavilion,” said Town Parks Director Kristen Doulos. “We wanted to provide a healthy space that encourages people to get outside and get moving, while still fully maintaining open vistas to the park and canal.”
The Parks Department also plans to provide instructional exercise and training programs to residents for a small fee. Those programs will be featured on the Town’s website soon. Please check the Recreation Programs Registration online for more details at www.southamptontownny.gov/parks.
As a courtesy, the Parks Department will also hold a free 45-minute introduction on December 2 at 12pm. Participants must register online prior to event.