CARP – it was a casual evening of drinks, amazing treats, a fitness park update and a tour of the newest building in West Carleton.

Around 40 community members gathered on the main floor and beautiful living space of the Carp Commons Retirement Village for last night’s (March 28) Carp Fitness Park Fundraiser hosted by Carp Health Access (CHA).

It was a sellout.

The crowd mingled, enjoyed h’orderves created by Carp Common’s executive chef Matthew Brearley, and took tours of the brand-new facility not even a month old. Around 7:40 p.m. attendees gathered in the main level theatre to get an update on the proposed outdoor Carp fitness park.

“We’re so excited about our initiative and so excited to be in the beautiful space,” CHA Chair Lisa Kyte said.

CHA board member Kathy Fischer, who has been the driving force behind the initiative, shared details about the project.

“I never knew there was such a thing,” she said. “Hockey teams were using it, young moms were using it, seniors were using it. It’s there all the time and you don’t need a membership.”

The equipment is static and designed for all ages and all levels of users. There are signs on the equipment detailing proper use and for those who have their smartphones on them, they can scan the QR codes on the signs for addition exercises and tips.

“Each piece of equipment can be used a lot of different ways,” Fischer said.

Not including last night’s fundraiser, the CHA has raised $64,327 of the $76,000 needed. The City of Ottawa will match the funds, install the equipment and maintain if following installation.

“People have been so generous with this,” board member Tara Azulay said. “We’re hoping this will be the year we get it installed. We started fundraising last June. We’ve done a lot of work. I’m sure many of you in the room have received our emails.”

If you would like to donate to Carp Health Access’ fitness park project, click here.