Rachel Dahl
A new era of community wellness has officially begun in Fallon. City leaders, residents, and partners from Renown Health gathered last week at Laura Mills Park to celebrate the opening of Fallon’s new National Fitness Court, the first phase in a series of planned improvements for one of the city’s most beloved public spaces.
Standing before a crowd of community members and city staff, Mayor Ken Tedford called the project a milestone in the city’s ongoing effort to promote health and vitality.
“This is the first of what we intend to be many improvements to one of the jewels of our city, Laura Mills Park,” Tedford said. “The idea of promoting public health isn’t new. More than 60 years ago, Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy launched national programs to encourage fitness and civic wellness. Today, we carry that same spirit forward right here in Fallon.”
The new outdoor facility was made possible through a partnership between the City of Fallon, the National Fitness Campaign, and Renown Health, which serves as the program’s state sponsor in Nevada. The city received grant funding through the campaign to help offset costs, and Fallon Public Works staff, led by Erik Fain, completed the installation.
Tedford credited Councilwoman Kelly Frost for her persistence and creativity in bringing the idea forward, as well as Councilmembers Paul Harmon and Carla Kent, city engineer Derek Zimney, and Public Works Director Brian Byrd and his crew for turning “an idea on paper into the fantastic facility we see before us today.”
Frost said the fitness court represents what can be achieved when public and private partners share a vision for a healthier community.
“It’s such a beautiful addition to our beloved Laura Mills Park,” she said. “I heard about Renown’s program and shared it with the mayor and his staff, and they jumped on board immediately to make it a reality. My hope is that this court becomes a focal point for the park now and for years to come.”
Representing Renown Health, Community Health Manager Kerry Kelly described the Fallon court as part of a larger statewide initiative.
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