The Corte Madera Parks and Recreation Commission on Aug. 25 heard a presentation from FitLot, a national nonprofit that helps communities plan and install outdoor fitness parks, about siting a turnkey “fit lot” at Towne Park and authorized staff to form an ad hoc subcommittee to study locations and funding.

FitLot Executive Director Adam Meyerson told the commission FitLot’s turnkey projects typically cost about $250,000 and include equipment, installation and a program grant to hire and train local fitness instructors. “Our fundraising goal for a turnkey FitLot organized project is about $250,000,” Meyerson said. He said FitLot has helped facilitate nearly 100 outdoor fitness parks nationwide and has partnered with AARP on past projects.

Commissioners and members of the public pressed staff and the presenter on several practical issues: what role the town would play, insurance and liability, programming and how close exercise equipment should be to children’s play areas. Meyerson said FitLot works with a regional certified installer and that the equipment is manufactured by Landscape Structures, that the parks are roughly 1,400 square feet, and that the movable elements are designed for people roughly 13 years and older. He said FitLot has not experienced insurance claims for its parks.

Several public speakers said seniors in Corte Madera would likely use the equipment. Madeline Thompson, speaking from the public, said, “There seems to be a great interest in Corte Madera for seniors to be active,” and urged the commission to consider the idea. A resident, Daniel’s Mac, said he supported the concept but asked commissioners to “think about” whether parents would be comfortable with adult exercise areas immediately adjacent to children’s play areas.

Commissioners said the proposal should be weighed against the priorities established in the town’s master plan and the capital improvement priorities they previously defined. They also expressed concern about branding and sponsorship: Meyerson said FitLot typically seeks funders such as regional health systems or foundations and can limit visible branding to a small logo on a welcome sign if the town prefers.

The commission moved to investigate further. Staff proposed, and commissioners agreed, to form an ad hoc subcommittee to work with FitLot and report options back to the full commission in October; the commission’s staff liaison Patty (last name not specified in the transcript) will participate. The commission did not set a funding source or commit town funds at the meeting.

Next steps discussed included returning with options for potential sites (town staff suggested Towne Park and several locations along the bike path), public outreach if a Town Park site is considered, and identifying potential local funding partners. Meyerson said FitLot would ask the town for a letter of support if Corte Madera wanted to pursue FitLot’s fundraising and development support.

The item was informational; no appropriation or ordinance was approved at the Aug. 25 meeting.