As the season changes, parks and open spaces across the country begin to buzz with energy. For city planners, recreation professionals, and landscape designers, spring is a time to reimagine how public spaces can do more than just serve as scenery; they can become active, functional places that bring people together and promote healthy living.

One approach that continues to gain traction is the integration of outdoor fitness equipment into these spaces. What once felt like a niche amenity is now being recognized as a practical, scalable way to support wellness and encourage daily movement in a wide range of environments.

What’s Fueling the Momentum

Outdoor fitness is appealing because it’s simple, effective, and adaptable. It offers year-round access without the need for memberships or staffing. It also fits seamlessly into many types of environments whether it’s a pocket park, a trailhead, or part of a larger recreation area.

Importantly, it meets the needs of all age groups. Adults, older adults, and teens can use the same space at their own pace. When fitness zones are located near playgrounds, parents and caregivers can get in a workout while keeping an eye on their kids. For many families, it’s a rare chance to prioritize their own wellness without needing extra time or childcare.

After supporting dozens of projects across the country, we’ve seen which details make a big difference in how outdoor fitness spaces perform over time.

Location matters: Equipment placed along walking paths, near playgrounds, or close to other activity areas gets significantly more use. Visibility and convenience encourage participation.

Design for real life: Placing stations near places like bike hubs or school drop-off points gives people more natural opportunities to engage. Even a short workout is more likely when it fits into an existing routine.

Don’t forget the younger crowd: We’re also seeing more communities include fitness opportunities for ages 5–12 as part of their wellness strategy. Kid-focused equipment, like our ExoKids line, encourages healthy habits early and adds value to school grounds, neighborhood parks, and multigenerational spaces.

Looking Ahead

We’re encouraged to see so many teams thinking creatively about how to use open space. It’s not about doing more. It’s about designing smarter, more inviting spaces that make activity part of everyday life.

Here’s to a season full of fresh air, new ideas, and strong starts!