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The Milwaukee Public Schools Showcase

Location
Milwaukee, WI

Customer: Milwaukee Public Schools

Selected Products: Spartan Multigym

Installation Date: Spring/Fall 2023

 

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.

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