Jackson’s newest outdoor gym, a project five years in the making, has finally come to fruition in the neighborhood of Belhaven. Those involved in bringing it to Mississippi’s capital city hope it will benefit the area in more ways than one.
In 2019, Jackson was selected by the Keith Haring Foundation, the namesake nonprofit of the late artist Keith Haring, as the newest location of a Keith Haring Fitness Court. Funding and equipment were procured that same year, but the project was stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leaders with the Greater Belhaven Foundation and residents of the Belhaven Heights neighborhood approached Jackson officials with the idea of locating the park where it would intersect with the Museum Trail, the Belhaven Mountain Biking Trail, and other city attractions. Jackson’s city council and the Keith Haring Foundation approved the measure, setting in motion the final steps for the project that began in 2019.
“We’re hoping it provides an immersive outdoor recreation experience for fitness enthusiasts and helps our neighbors stay healthy,” Greater Belhaven Foundation Executive Director Mary Alex Thigpen told Good Things with Rebecca Turner. “We also hope it helps recruit visitors to our neighborhood who are looking for fitness and outdoor recreation opportunities in the metro area.”
The fitness court, located in Belhaven Heights Park, is one of just 12 in the U.S. and the only Keith Haring Fitness Court in Mississippi. The court, described by the foundation as the “world’s best outdoor gym,” provides a seven-movement workout program and is accompanied by an app to guide visitors. While it’s geared towards those looking for outdoor exercise, the court also acts as an art display that pays homage to Haring.
“It really is an art display,” Thigpen added. “We have other displays of public art around that area, including a really wonderful mural on the museum trail as well. We feel like we’re also providing access and opportunity to community art, as well as outdoor activity.”
The Greater Belhaven Foundation, which serves Mississippi’s first community improvement district, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility on September 26 at 10 a.m.
