By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
Members of the community, including some active seniors, attended a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday morning for new outdoor exercise equipment at Star Park.
More than 30 persons attended the reveal during a bright and sunny morning to see the new outdoor fitness center located at the park, which lies in the 600 block of North Main Street.
Main St. The project was first approved in a resolution at the March 12, 2024, regular city
council meeting. (Photo by Louis Zylka)
Exercise equipment at the site includes a hand cycler, an elliptical machine, a stretching pole, a cardio stepper, plyometric platforms, a chest/back press station, an ab-crunch/leg lift station, and a pull-up station.
The project was first brought forth with a resolution passed by the city council at the March 12, 2024 council meeting, which discussed purchasing exercise equipment from Exerplay, Inc. to be used for enhancing the quality of life in the Del Rio community.
Mayor Al Arreola spoke first and said the equipment has been part of an ongoing process to improve the city’s parks and give back to the citizens of the community.
“We are putting back the quality of life for us elderly and for the younger generation. This is for the old ones and young ones,” Arreola said.
Arreola thanked Assistant City Manager Manuel Chavez and Scot Carcasi, the city’s operations and compliance manager, who both helped push the project forward.
Councilwoman Ernestina “Tina” Martinez spoke next and thanked city staffers who helped spearhead the project. Councilwoman Carmen Gutierrez thanked former council members Steven Webb and Alexandra Falcon Calderon, who were on the council when the project was approved.
City Manager Shawna Burkhart thanked Purchasing Agent Luis Menchaca, Assistant Finance Director Roxy Soto and Lazaro Castro, the city’s parks and recreation superintendent, for being involved in the project.
Ojeda talked about the value of the equipment and how it helps improve an active lifestyle for people of all ages. Ojeda then introduced Marilyn Dugan, a local senior citizen active in the community, and asked her to speak about her experiences with exercising.
Dugan said she lost her husband, Pat Dugan, in June 2024 and became unmotivated to continue living.
Dugan thanked her neighbor for inviting her to a water aerobics class last year, which she said inspired her to more activities. Dugan also attends classes given by Stephanie Gonzalez, owner of Rev Cycling Studio, and she said Gonzalez’s classes convinced her “to want to live.”
Gonzalez, along with members of her weekly classes, also attended the ribbon cutting. Gonzalez said she is a huge believer in people being active at any age. She said the new fitness equipment is a blessing for the city.
After the ribbon cutting, attendees tried each piece of equipment while Gonzalez demonstrated how each machine functions.
