Outdoor Fitness Area

An outdoor fitness area increases opportunities for regular exercise, contributing to increased physical activity.

Key Terms

• An Outdoor Fitness Area is a dedicated outdoor area that is outfitted with exercise or sports equipment for physical fitness.

Strategy Insights

• An outdoor fitness area should be designed and programmed with the intention of providing a space for physical activity.
• Outdoor areas that host regularly scheduled fitness classes do not qualify unless the outdoor space specifically includes fixed equipment or courts. 
• Qualifying outdoor fitness equipment includes, but is not limited to:
  • Stationary bikes
  • Air-walkers
  • Pull-up bars
  • Resistance-strength machines
  • Sit-up boards
• While the provision of outdoor space with fixed fitness equipment such as the list above is ideal, Fitwel accepts all of the following, with conditions:
• Fields and courts that correspond to Olympic sports may qualify. Examples include, but are not limited to: 
  • Basketball courts
  • Baseball courts
  • Football courts
  • Soccer fields
  • Table tennis
  • Skate parks
• Swimming pools may qualify if they:
  • Provide lap lanes; and
  • Operate year-round (recreational pools that are only open seasonally do not qualify).
• Mobile fitness equipment may qualify provided that documentation can confirm that the project provides equipment in a secure space that is accessible to all regular occupants. Qualifying examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Free-weights
  • Yoga mats
  • Other fitness equipment
• If mobile equipment is stored somewhere other than the outdoor fitness area, the documentation submitted must clearly explain how regular occupants may gain access to the equipment. Mobile fitness equipment must be made available during a minimum of working hours at the property. Additionally, the space for using the mobile fitness equipment must be specifically designed and designated for that use at all times during work hours.
• Bocce ball is an accepted court sport and will be credited as a qualifying outdoor fitness area. However, all other leisure “yard”-style games and other non-strenuous activities such as corn hole, children’s playgrounds, or other spaces not specifically designed for exercise, do not qualify.
• Putting greens only qualify for the Senior Housing scorecard.

Documentation Guidance

• For those spaces with mobile fitness equipment, more is more. Provide detailed annotated documentation that describes how the space is designated at all times for fitness and exercise or sports purposes and how occupants can access equipment.