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Council explores National Fitness Campaign grant to add park fitness court; refers idea to parks advisory board
Summary
Council reviewed a National Fitness Campaign offering for a modular fitness court that could be partially funded by a $30,000–$60,000 grant but requires a local match estimated at $160,000–$270,000 and an initial $145,000 material order; members asked staff to vet alternative vendors, potential sponsors, suitable park sites, and to take the concept to the Parks & Recreation advisory board.
Belmont City Council discussed a National Fitness Campaign opportunity on May 18 that would add a modular outdoor fitness court (and optional adjacent studio) to city park amenities. Jason Weinberger presented the program and noted it is offered in phases: a nonbinding grant application, a 120-day phase-one funding window, and an expectation that phase one be completed this calendar year.
The campaign’s grant contribution varies by configuration: a standalone fitness court typically qualifies for $30,000 in grant support, while a double-sided court/studio could qualify for up to $60,000. Jason said the vendor’s initial material order cost for phase one is about $145,000; the full local match and installation estimates range from roughly $160,000 to $270,000 depending on configuration and site work.
Council discussed potential park locations (Stow Park, Davis Park, near tennis/pickleball courts, Reed Park) and operational considerations including ADA compliance, a 38-by-38-foot footprint for the standalone court, warranty terms (presented as a 25-year warranty on the surface and a 10-year warranty on structures) and low maintenance expectations (pressure wash and occasional repairs). Members raised aesthetic concerns about siting (especially near Stow Park’s fountain) and asked staff to seek Parks & Recreation advisory board input.
Several council members said they were open to pursuing a similar installation done in-house or by alternative vendors if it produced a better fit or design for Belmont; staff noted the turnkey vendor offers QR-code coaching, modular design experience and an operations playbook that could reduce staff lift. Council suggested pursuing sponsorships (insurance companies and local businesses were mentioned) to help close the funding gap if the city chooses to apply.
Council did not commit funds at the workshop; members asked staff to gather alternative bids, confirm site constraints (including a 150-foot setback from small-children play areas), and bring the idea to the Parks & Recreation advisory board for review and recommendation.
"This is just an opportunity we had right now and we wanted to see if you wanted to pursue it," Jason said. "If you apply for it and you can’t secure funding within 120 days you can bow out — the application is nonbinding — but the timeline is relatively tight if we want phase one this calendar year."
