Nutrition World Platteville Outdoor Fitness Center Grand Opening August 28

L-R:  Bob Digman, Rob Serres, Nate Curry, Bob Hundhausen, Carol Thole, Nikki Klein holding Ian, Jamie Klein, Gene Weber, Angie Meylor, Ben Reeves, Bev Johansen, Alice Rekstad, Terry Busch, and Ryan Siegert

“The Nutrition World Platteville Outdoor Fitness Center grand opening will be held Monday, August 28, 2017, at 5:30 pm at the Center, located near the Platteville Dog Park at the corner of Mineral Street and Valley Road,” shared Bob Hundhausen.  It will be hosted by the Outdoor Fitness Center Steering Committee – Nate Curry, Bob Digman, Bob Hundhausen, Bev Johansen, Rob Serres, Ryan Siegert, and Gene Weber.

Committee member Nate Curry noted, “There will be a brief 20 minute-program sharing the benefits of the project and highlighting the many organizations and individuals who worked collaboratively to make this happen.  Major donors will also be recognized.”

Gene Weber commented:  “Our great citizens here in Platteville have demonstrated time after time that they will provide financial donations, talent and labor to help make good things happen for this community.  One of the keys to success is the collaboration and leadership provided through service organizations, individuals, and our schools.  By working together we are ‘getting it done’.”

Nutrition World - Platteville is the major donor for the Center.  Store manager Angie Meylor remarked, "Our store owner feels strongly about giving back to our Southwest Wisconsin Community. The Nutrition World Platteville Outdoor Fitness Center is perfectly in line with our store theme of 'Uplifting the Health of Southwest Wisconsin'."

In commenting on the new Center, Ryan Siegert, sports performance trainer at The EDGE (Southwest Health) and personal trainer at Snap Fitness noted: “Southwest Health Center personal trainers will conduct public training sessions on August 29 and 31 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.  Train the trainer sessions are also planned for school district and university physical education, health and sports team faculty.”  Continuing he noted that the Center has easy to follow instructional kiosks to assist community members with use of the equipment.

Bev Johansen noted: “Over a dozen collaborative partners were involved in making the Center a reality.  They, along with our donors and volunteer installers, made this happen.”  Among those collaborating on the project: the Platteville Community Arboretum; Southwest Health; Platteville Schools including the PHS Cross Country boys and girls teams and the physical education & health faculty; Platteville Main Street Program; Platteville Kiwanis Club; Platteville Area Optimists; UW-Platteville Reclamation and Horticulture Clubs; and the City of Platteville. 

In addition to the major donation by Nutrition World, the center also benefited from the first significant award from Inspiring Community – a new non-profit organized by Cindy Tang that celebrates collaborations that lead to great things happening in our community.  Digman Construction (Bob, Chad and Jay Digman) also made a significant contribution, as did the Platteville Community Arboretum. The UW-Platteville Reclamation and Horticulture programs will provide future landscaping.

Platteville Public Schools Cross Country Coach Rob Serres commented, “The PHS Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams have committed to provide ongoing maintenance for the Center.  They will be collaborating with the Platteville Kiwanis Club and the Platteville Area Optimists in an effort to avoid the use of any city tax dollars for maintenance.  Our PHS Health and Physical Education instructors will integrate the use of the Center into class curricula a minimum of one class session in both fall and spring to encourage good health and use of the Center.  Additionally, a number of high school and university coaches are planning on introducing their athletes to the Center for conditioning, strength and flexibility training.” 

In commenting on the involvement of Digman Construction Bob Digman noted, “We see this as a place families and friends will gather for healthy exercise purposes.  My daughters have already put me through the paces on this equipment.  Local fitness centers have already been using it for classes.  We believe the Center will be a feeder for these businesses, bringing more economic development to Platteville.”

Karen Kurt, Platteville City Manager, stated:  “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the steering committee and the donors. They had a vision and delivered in record time. We are excited and grateful to have this wonderful new amenity next to the trail.”

All are welcome to attend the grand opening. Those who might enjoy walking or biking to this event are encouraged to do so for fitness.  Parking is available at the trail head near Rural Excavating and near the dog park.