The Milwaukee Public Schools Showcase
Location
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Public Schools installed 61 Spartan Multigyms across schools throughout the district, using a federal grant earmarked for community-based outdoor fitness combined with Sourcewell cooperative purchasing. The durable, weatherproof multigyms support physical-education programming for students and stay in use by neighborhood residents after school and on weekends. It’s a large-scale example of public funding and private collaboration expanding access to real outdoor exercise.
Project at a Glance
Customer: Milwaukee Public Schools
Selected Products: Spartan Multigym
Installation Date: Spring/Fall 2023
Funding Model: Federal grant + Sourcewell cooperative purchasing
Outdoor-Fit x Milwaukee Public Schools
When tasked with procuring outdoor fitness equipment in spring 2021, MPS embarked on extensive research and collaboration, engaging online resources and consulting with recreational experts. With support from the school district, Wisconsin’s Outdoor-Fit supplier, Midwest Playscapes, and Sourcewell, 61 Spartan Multigyms were installed across various Milwaukee public schools in the summer of 2023. Funding from a Federal Grant earmarked for community-based outdoor fitness initiatives, coupled with Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing, streamlined procurement for MPS. This project exemplifies the synergy of public funding and private collaboration to achieve the shared goal of nurturing healthier, more active communities.
Project Goals
- Promote physical fitness for the students and staff of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and the broader Milwaukee community.
- Source durable equipment that would be suitable for Wisconsin winters, minimizing the need for regular maintenance.
- Provide outdoor gym equipment that would allow physical education teachers to run their curriculum, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise for teenagers.
The Results: Students — and the Whole Community — Moving More
The Spartan Multigyms quickly became part of daily school life, with students eager to explore the range of exercises each unit offers. The impact reached beyond the school day: residents from surrounding neighborhoods were seen using the equipment on weekends and after school, extending the benefit to the wider Milwaukee community.
In 2021, we embarked on a project to enhance physical fitness opportunities for students across various Milwaukee Public Schools. During the Spring through the fall of 2023, installing 61 Spartan Multigyms was a pivotal step towards achieving this goal. One of the striking aspects of this initiative is the eagerness of students to explore the diverse range of exercises facilitated by the Spartan Multigym. This curiosity reflects a genuine interest in physical activity and underscores the effectiveness of providing accessible fitness resources. Beyond the school setting, the impact extends to the wider community. During my observations last spring, I witnessed residents from local neighborhoods utilizing the machines on weekends and after school, highlighting the broader societal benefit of such installations.”
Roger Masarik, Adaptive PE Specialist, Milwaukee Public Schools
Can federal grants and cooperative purchasing pay for school outdoor fitness equipment?
Yes. MPS funded 61 Spartan Multigyms through a federal grant earmarked for community-based outdoor fitness, combined with Sourcewell cooperative purchasing, which streamlined procurement across the district. Read more about the Milwaukee Community.
Is outdoor fitness equipment durable enough for harsh winters?
Yes. The Spartan Multigym is built for year-round outdoor use in climates like Wisconsin’s, with weatherproof construction that minimizes maintenance between seasons.
How does outdoor gym equipment support a physical-education curriculum?
Bodyweight multigyms give PE teachers scalable, all-levels stations for strength and mobility, and their appeal keeps teens — and the surrounding community after hours — coming back to move.