By De Lane Bredvik, President, Manitou Springs Arts Council
The National Fitness Campaign (NFC) and the Keith Haring Foundation, late last October, identified Manitou Springs as one of 10 possible sites for a new series of art/fitness courts.
A fitness court is a 38-by-38-square-foot workout and stretch station that has been developed and refined for decades to benefit a community’s health and wellness. Information about it can be found at nationalfitness
campaign.com/watch.
Rather than sponsor’s logos on the court’s walls, however, the NFC is trying something new: pairing health and wellness with art.
Keith Haring (1958-1990) is one of the most iconic and recognizable artists of the late 20th century, and his art will be integrated into the courts. The curated series is available for only 10 locations in 10 states, with only one licensed work available in each state.
Each piece in the collection features an original, unique licensed Keith Haring Art work, and the installations will highlight the connection and power that lies at the intersection of artistic expression and healthy lifestyles.
The application for a Keith Haring Fitness Court was by invitation only, with 100 cities of all sizes that demonstrated a commitment to both arts and wellness infrastructure being selected to learn about the program.
After an extensive interview and application process, Manitou won the honor to represent Colorado.
During the process of gaining support for the project application, I collected responses from City Council and the various boards, and the usual concerns came up, including protecting parking and grass.
However, one response sticks in my mind, and that was the strange idea that Manitou does not need another awesome thing.
People are exhausted by traffic and crowds, but as a small community that relies on tourism revenue, locals also understand that visitors help pay the bills.
Although a Keith Haring Art work in Manitou would draw in more people, the fitness court would primarily benefit locals, adding to the recreational opportunities available in the community.
Two possible project sites are in the Memorial Park area, which the NFC identified as the most ideal zone because of the proximity to downtown, trails and a transportation hub. The first, closest to the bus stops, would be the corner of Manitou Avenue and Old Man’s Trail on the Hiawatha side, near the stone bridge.
The second site is the corner of El Paso Boulevard and Lover’s Lane, on the 7 Minute Spring side. Both sites would take up at least four parking spaces, with the Lover’s Lane site also taking up some grass.
Although the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board initially supported the project during the application period in December, the members have subsequently withdrawn their support, citing the loss of grassy space, among other concerns.
City Councilors also initially voiced their support in the application process, but appear poised to reject the opportunity.
In an effort to keep the Keith Haring Fitness Court project alive and at least still in the Pikes Peak region, the Manitou Springs Arts Council, the license awardee, is looking for sites still within the vicinity of Manitou, if City Council says no.
To avoid a “cancel culture” moment, possible alternative sites in the Colorado Springs parks system are being considered as a last resort.
Please take a moment to email City Council (citycouncil@manitou
springsco.gov will reach all members) with your thoughts and comments. They need to hear from the community.
Feel free to reach out to me for more information at bredvik@post.harvard.edu.
