Parks advisory board pauses large fitness-court plan, asks staff for alternatives at Zolly Young

The Parks Advisory Board paused plans for a large branded fitness court and asked staff to return with alternative options for Zolly Young Park.

Agency staff presented the passive exercise concept and said the large branded fitness-court option previously discussed ran about $197,000–$250,000 after a vendor grant, while a more conservative package from another vendor was quoted at roughly $70,000 with optional add-ons. Staff said one vendor declined to provide a detailed quote without a board commitment to pursue the concept.

"We're just asking that, pertaining to the master plan of improving trails and, specifically walking trails that the board, approve staff to budget and plan for equipment in these locations moving forward over the next couple of years," the presenter said. Board members pressed staff on whether the installations fit Bay County's lower-density neighborhood parks and suggested surveying residents and exploring playground or pavilion alternatives.

A committee member moved that the advisory board pause the fitness-court concept and direct staff to bring back alternative uses and community input for Zolly Young; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The board did not approve procurement or construction at the meeting and instructed staff to present options and likely cost ranges at a future meeting.

Board members emphasized caution about committing capital funds without clearer evidence of neighborhood demand. Staff said they would investigate local usage data from existing installations, bring additional vendor quotes and consider less-expensive or complementary facilities before returning to the board.