Leisure Services offers ways to get fit

By Debbie Ingram

Published: January 7, 2009

Dothan Leisure Services is promoting 2009 as the year of good health and fitness, which begins with a public awareness campaign on programs offered through the city.

“We are taking an interest in helping the public become more healthy and fit, and we are not just talking about running marathons or biking 50 miles,” said Assistant Director of Programs Larry Patrick.

“The public is aware of a lot of things we do, like when we have tournaments and our sports programs for children. But we also have things they don’t know about.”

The city offers a variety of activities available at no charge or minimal charge to the public. It also partners with various community sports organizations to expand these activities.

Among the activities provided are archery, tennis, in-line hockey, swimming, yoga, belly dancing, gymnastics, outdoor fitness training, BMX racing, karate, tai chi chaun, zumba, line dancing, ballroom dancing, baton, cheerleading, racquet ball, aquatics classes, art classes, and baseball, softball, soccer, football, basketball and other youth and adult leagues.

“Most people know about the trails at Westgate,” he said. “They are very popular, but every now and then, I still run into somebody who doesn’t know they are there. Our push in 2009 is to be more out there.”

Patrick said a counter recorded an average of more than 200 users a day at the Westgate trail last fall. There is also a 0.6-mile walking trail at Walton Park and a 2- to 2.25-mile trail (over the boardwalk) at Eastgate Park.

Weight training is also a good way to get fit.

“We have a new weight room at Walton Park and are upgrading the one at Westgate,” said Leisure Services Director Elston Jones. “We have our walking trails and will be upgrading the bike trail at Westgate very soon.”

The Westgate weight room opens early to accommodate the working public, Patrick said. Later this year, as funds become available, cardio-vascular equipment will be added to both weight rooms.

In addition, there are playgrounds, neighborhood parks, and acres and acres of open fields for running and playing. No excuses for not getting outside and getting moving, officials say.

“Neighborhood parks are located all over the city,”Jones said. “The playgrounds play right into our efforts to help with the childhood obesity problem.”

The department recognizes childhood obesity is a health concern locally. The diversity and location of parks and opportunities encourage fitness for children.

“Take your child to the park and be active!” Patrick encouraged. “You don’t have to be able to run a marathon to be able to do some physical activity. And we want people to realize, we have something for everybody.”

The department is publishing a program guide that’s free to the public, which contains the location of facilities and information on services. Information is also available under “Departments” at http://www.dothan.org.

Indoor lap swimming at Westgate is available from 5:30 to 8 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.