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Playgrounds and outdoor fitness zones renovated and reopened on Cleveland's east side: First Look

MetroHealth worked with funding from Fifth Third Bank to revitalize a space that's been open since 2015, but has been underutilized

CLEVELAND — MetroHealth’s mission to take care of the community outside of hospital walls has extended to the Buckeye neighborhood with recently renovated playgrounds and fitness zones.

MetroHealth held a ribbon cutting to reintroduce play areas to adults and children at the East End Neighborhood House, located at 2749 Woodhill Road in Cleveland, in a space that's been open since 2015, but has been underutilized.

With the help of community groups and funding from Fifth Third Bank, each updated fitness area features durable resistance training and cardiovascular equipment such as elliptical machines, leg and chest presses and recumbent bicycles – all of which are outside and designed to handle all seasons. The three fitness zones are also adjacent to the renovated kids' play areas, so parents and caregivers can get in a workout while children play.

“Without the help and dedication from MetroHealth and Fifth Third Bank, we would not have been able to use our playground and fitness zones,” said Atunyese V. Herron, Executive Director at East End Neighborhood House, Inc. “Playgrounds are the foundation for children as they grow and play outdoors. The fitness zone has been a tool for our community to use at their leisure for exercise. Now, we can re-open them both for use again.”

The area is intended for use by the residents of the Buckeye, Larchmere, Shaker Square and Woodland Hills neighborhoods.

“At MetroHealth’s Institute for H.O.P.E.TM, we know the majority of a person’s health depends on many factors beyond medical care and access to physical activity is just one of them,” said Susan Fuehrer, President, MetroHealth Institute for H.O.P.E.TM “We are proud to partner with community institutions like East End Neighborhood House, Inc. to provide access to safe play and exercise for our neighbors.” 

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