ZELIENOPLE — A new workout park aims to increase physical fitness and honor a fallen police officer.

The Officer Kristine Bartman Memorial Workout Park, near Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School, will have its grand opening May 6. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We’re having athletes come in from all over the country,” said borough resident and park organizer Matt White.

White, a certified personal trainer, said he came up with the idea for a workout park after seeing the popularity of similar sites in Europe.

The park will have multiple pull-up bars, dip bars, and open space for push-ups, sit-ups, squats and cardiovascular exercises.

White previously called the park a “playground for adults,” which aims to increase flexibility and durability with exercise sessions. However, children can also use the workout park.

“You don’t have to wait on machines and it’s all body weight, so the risk of injury is less,” White said. “You don’t end up doing extra damage to your joints because you’re only controlling your body weight.”

The park’s hours will be from dawn till dusk and is free to use. White said classes have not been scheduled, but are planned for the near future.

The park takes up about 30 feet by 16 feet. However, White said the plan is to expand the park’s size to 60 feet by 60 feet.

White said it was decided the park would be named after Bartman since she was a “close friend.”

Bartman was an officer for the Evans City-Seven Fields Regional Police Department who died last July in a motorcycle crash in Pittsburgh.

“She was really involved with it (park),” White said. “She was all about the community, fitness and helping others.”

White also said Bartman’s widower, Zachary made a donation toward the park’s completion in her honor.

The grand opening will have food, beverages, music and family-friendly entertainment. Booths also will be set up.

The park was funded by White, donations and fundraisers. White said the project received about $15,000, “99 percent” of which came from donations. The goal number was $11,000. The extra money will be used for the park’s expansion, which will not impede upon the neighboring community park.

“We’ll continue to add on as we get funds for it,” White said. “Once a year, we’ll purchase what we can afford and keep going toward a fit community.”