This is an example of the outdoor fitness equipment that the Cranberry Township Community Chest wants to install in two township parks this year. The project is expected to cost about $200,000.

CRANBERRY TWP — The Cranberry Township Community Chest wants to put exercise equipment in two parks here, but the group needs the public's help in more ways than one.

The community chest annually picks a community project of the year and embarks on a fundraising campaign to help make dreams a reality.

Last year, the community chest oversaw the planning, funding and construction of the new Kids Castle playground in the Community Park.

This year's project is expected to cost about $200,000, although the scope could increase according to the amount of donations received. And just like last year, the community chest is seeking public input.

That's why township officials offered a presentation to about a dozen people Wednesday night in the municipal building, an information session that highlighted the details of the plan to help get township residents healthier.

Assistant Township Manager John Trant said the latest project will add “another exciting element” to the community by placing three exercise stations in Graham Park and one station in North Boundary Park.

Each exercise station will contain up to 15 individual pieces of equipment, and each station in Graham Park will be located near ball fields so parents can work out while their children play or practice.

“We want to replicate the gym experience,” Trant said. “Except it's outdoors.”

Financing for the project will come through a combination of donations from businesses and residents, funds from the community chest's coffers and revenues from last year's Community Days celebration.

During the informational session, resident Rick Alexander worried that children could play on the exercise equipment without adult supervision.

Parks and Recreation Director Pete Geis said the exercise stations will contain ample warnings about their proper use and that only adults will be allowed to use equipment there.

However, he added that there are currently no plans to restrict access to any of the exercise stations.

Another resident wondered about the advisability of having the equipment available for use in the winter.

In response, Geis said there already are several of these exercise stations in use in the northern United States as well as in Canada. And during the winter, the township's public works department will be responsible for cleaning the equipment of snow or ice.

Alexander said he walks several miles in Graham Park daily, even during the winter, and that he's in favor of adding the extra amenities to the park.

Geis said he will fine-tune the plan in the coming weeks and will likely order the exercise equipment in a month or two. Regardless, he said the township plans on having all of the stations in place by July.

The parks director said any additional community input is welcome, either on the community chest's website or through a phone call to the township.