Hardeman Healthy Outreach Adds to Bolivar Resources

In the United States, fewer than 50 percent of youth and 25 percent of adults get enough physical activity to help with maintaining a healthy weight. But thanks to the partnership between University of Tennessee Extension’s Hardeman Healthy Outreach (H2O) project and the City of Bolivar Parks and Recreation Department, Bolivar residents have support for being physically active.

“H2O has been able to provide park amenities throughout the towns of Hardeman County. In Bolivar, two newly installed items support Bolivar residents who want to be physically active,” Dr. Amy Elizer, Extension specialist, said. “The installation of a bicycle repair station at Bolivar Municipal Building will allow access to anyone needing to air up bicycle tires.”

A piece of adult exercise equipment at Sand Beach Lake Park is located in close proximity to the children’s playground equipment. Instructional signage helps with knowing how to use the equipment. “People who use outdoor fitness equipment, like that at Sand Beach Lake, have been found to improve their cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance. Parents, as they watch their children play, can easily use the fitness equipment for a variety of muscle and fitness exercises. In a sense, the entire family can now get fit together,” said Dr. Gene Fitzhugh, physical activity expert on the H2O team.

Finally, a water fountain has been installed at Frog Park to help people playing basketball stay hydrated.

Information on the walks can be found at the @BeMoreHardeman Facebook page. Hardeman Healthy Outreach is funded by the CDC’s High Obesity Program (HOP) through The University of Tennessee Extension to improve access to food and physical activity opportunities throughout Hardeman County. For more information, go to @BeMoreHardeman on Facebook.

Photo: Isaiah Falls uses the bike repair station on the grounds of Bolivar City Hall.