Stafford residents can weigh in on a new outdoor fitness court and improvements at five city parks when the Parks Committee meets Monday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Large Conference Room.
The fitness court tops the agenda. Stafford City Council voted 7-0 on July 15 to partner with the National Fitness Campaign, a nonprofit that helps cities install free, open-air workout stations, according to council minutes. Public Works assistant superintendent Laura Morales presented the proposal and showed a video at that meeting. Resident Cliff Cowperthwait spoke in support, saying "it was a good idea," though he raised questions about project and maintenance costs.
The installation would be a seven-station, bodyweight-based gym requiring no power, no membership and no fees. It fits on a roughly 38-by-38-foot concrete pad and comes with a free companion app for guided workouts. More than 750 communities nationwide have installed a Fitness Court. The specific park location for Stafford's court has not been announced.
Beyond the fitness court, the committee will take up action items for Vaccaro Manor Park, Gordon Fountain Lake Park, Fifth Street Park, and First Street and Rubin Parks. LED lighting upgrades were planned for all parks starting with Vaccaro Manor, according to April 2026 committee minutes. Public Works superintendent Ian Sargent noted at an October 2025 meeting that Gordon Fountain Lake and The Meadows would eventually connect.
The Promenade Trail, Veterans Monument, Stafford Centre and a citywide activity program round out the discussion items. Committee member John Rose said at the August 2025 meeting that the trail was "the best it's ever been," and new concrete benches have since been added along the route.
The council also approved Resolution No. 33-26 on July 15, creating a Stafford Economic Development Corporation project for park construction and improvements. That 7-0 vote followed a public hearing. Committee members have previously discussed a bond of approximately $20 million for park upgrades, including Fifth Street Park.
The meeting is open to the public.
Residents can speak during the public comments period listed as item 3 on the posted agenda. City Hall is at 2610 South Main Street; enter from the South Main side. Accessible parking is available, and residents needing accommodations or interpretive services should call the City Secretary's Office at (281) 261-3900 at least 48 hours before the meeting.
Upcoming Stafford dates:
- Monday, Aug. 17 — Parks Committee meeting, 7 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room
