Travelers Rest marked a new chapter for its downtown fitness scene Tuesday with the dedication of an outdoor fitness court on Center Street, right next to The Sargent Branch Greenville County Library. City officials say the free, open-air gym has already drawn hundreds of users since opening its gates in July.
The court was built using a $249,723 grant awarded to the city through the 2025 Healthy Greenville program, according to the Greenville Journal. The funding came from the Greenville Health Authority, which said the project, known as Gateway Fitness Park, is meant to deliver free, inclusive exercise opportunities in the city's downtown district, according to the Greenville Health Authority.
City Administrator Shannon Herman discussed the court's use. Since opening in July, 700 users had visited the court, and the number of people sticking around for more than 30 minutes had jumped 500%, Herman said, per the same outlet's report.
What's Actually at the Court
The equipment lineup includes dumbbells, cable machines, a leg press and an elliptical. Each station also comes equipped with a QR code that links to an instructional video guide, a touch meant to help newcomers figure out proper form on their own.
According to the Greenville Health Authority's project description, the park was originally envisioned as a free outdoor fitness space built in a circular layout designed to hold equipment for 35 users at once and encourage social interaction among visitors. The agency's materials describe the site as adjacent to a public parking lot and Gateway Park.
Local Leaders Weigh In
Mayor Brandy Amidon credited the health authority's funding with making the project possible. “The Greenville Health Authority's generous investment made the fitness court possible, and we are grateful for its commitment to the health and well-being of our community,” Amidon said, according to the Journal's report. “The court gives residents and visitors a welcoming place to move, connect and enjoy the outdoors.”
Herman framed the court as a visible symbol of the city's push toward healthier living. “We're seeing an investment in an active lifestyle,” Herman said. “It's here, it's in front of you.”
The Greenville Health Authority, which funded the project, says its broader mission is to improve access to quality healthcare throughout the Upstate and strengthen residents' well-being through partnerships with healthcare systems and community organizations. The Gateway Fitness Park grant reflects that mission applied directly to Travelers Rest's downtown corridor, giving residents a no-cost option for staying active just steps from the library.
