Florida on a Tankful is getting "thrifty" all January long on Thursday and Saturday. With holiday bills starting to roll in, we highlight places you and your family can enjoy without breaking the bank.
The first stop: a playground designed for parents.
If that New Year's goal includes getting fit, take a second look.
"That's another station!" proclaims Mitchell Austin, the city planner for the City of Punta Gorda.
At first, the playground full of green and tan equipment looks like a playground for kids.
"We thought it was a child's playground at first,” comments Judy Modica visiting from Michigan.
Yet, "jungle gyms" for adults are popping up all over the state.
"We all have a desire to play,” explains Mitchell.
"We evaluated all of the equipment to ensure it was low impact, that it worked all the muscle groups of the body,” Mitchell adds.
Mitchell took time away from the office to soak up the Florida sunshine and enjoy his newest project: the "Adult Fitness Zone" at Linear Park.
"It's a low impact, easy workout you can do," Judy believes. “It works muscles in your body that you might not be aware of, but I don't think you can hurt yourself on it."
Several pieces of workout equipment along the Punta Gorda Pathways feature exercises meant to tone, sculpt and stretch.
The beauty of Punta Gorda Pathways rests in the design. Grab a friend or glide on your own. Several stations are designed to be shared by two people. However, if you’re coasting solo, all the equipment will still function normally. However, getting the hang of it can take a moment.
"Woah!" exclaimed a participant older than 70 as her legs began to do the splits.
"This opportunity to play gave them the opportunity to interact with each other. That chance interaction is what makes a great community.”
And here, there are no turnstiles or admission gates. Visiting is free.
Other Florida fitness trails can be found here.
Tankful on Television
Live in a Bright House? You can catch new Florida on a Tankful stories each Thursday through Sunday on News 13 and Bay News 9. New editions play at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m. and run through the afternoon.