Extreme TBD Warning

This is very much adhoc To Be Determined territory … these are only five IDEAs for slightly more serious consideration …and a list of other brainstormed potentially implement-able approaches.

Community Exercise and Fitness Improvement Programs for Floodplain Land

This is one of five PROPOSED approaches to transform FEMA-purchased floodplain properties from a maintenance burden into valuable community assets that use these proposed approach(s) to enhance physical fitness, ecological function, and community connection. By respecting the natural flood cycle and avoiding permanent structures, these programs create sustainable, resilient fitness opportunities while honoring the essential role of floodplains in watershed health.

The approaches, each with no financial expenditure or Administrative resources from the City government, utilize nothing but vacant FEMA floodplain land and volunteer labor from those KEY VOLUNTEERS who commit [with a suggested $50/yr donation to defray administrative expense] sign up to participate physically in making these social community fitness-betterment approaches work, are as follows:

1) Walking Trail Network … would establish a system of natural surface walking paths throughout FEMA-purchased floodplain properties, creating an interconnected network of trails that promote regular physical activity while respecting floodplain restrictions. This approach is based on successful models from communities in Vermont, North Carolina, and Iowa that have maintained floodplain trail systems for over 25 years.

2) Fitness Equipment Circuit … would create a distributed network of flood-resilient fitness stations throughout FEMA-purchased properties, connected by walking paths. All elements are designed to withstand or be easily removed before flooding events. This approach is based on successful models from flood-prone communities in Missouri, Pennsylvania, and parts of Australia that have maintained flood-adaptive fitness circuits for 15+ years.

3) Field Sports Program … utilize FEMA-purchased properties as natural playing fields for various recreational activities requiring minimal permanent infrastructure. All equipment is portable and activities are designed to adapt to seasonal changes in the floodplain. This approach is modeled after successful programs in floodplain communities in Tennessee, Virginia, and parts of the Northeast operating for 20+ years.

4) Foraging and Natural Movement Program … creates structured opportunities for physical activity through seasonal wild edible harvesting, natural movement, and ecological stewardship on FEMA-purchased floodplain properties. This approach combines nutrition education with varied physical activities while enhancing floodplain ecological function. The model is based on successful programs in river communities in Wisconsin, Oregon, and parts of New England that have operated sustainably for 20+ years.

5) Cultural Heritage Fitness Trail …creates a fitness program by connecting physical activity with the cultural and natural history of the floodplain through an interpretive trail system with associated activities. This approach is modeled after successful programs in river communities in Kentucky, South Carolina, and parts of the Midwest operating for 25+ years.

As noted, KEY VOLUNTEERS who express commitment would be necessary; the annual suggested donation is only suggested, but what is necessary is a firm pledge of intention to stick with the idea and see it through.

Each of these approaches would be modeled upon something that have proven to be sustainable and successful in other communities of this size for decades. We can learn from these examples of what has worked and also avoid what has not worked.

There is no implied priority in this ordering of five. Each of the proposed approaches could be implemented individually OR multiples may be combined into ONE integrated system utilizing different sections of the floodplain for complementary activities. All five approaches emphasize volunteer leadership, minimal infrastructure, and adaptation to natural cycles, ensuring long-term sustainability with minimal ongoing costs.

The specific approach examined in this document is the second one.

Approach 2: Floodplain Fitness Equipment Circuit

Operations Management Summary

Program Overview: The Floodplain Fitness Equipment Circuit creates a distributed network of flood-resilient fitness stations throughout FEMA-purchased properties, connected by walking paths. All elements are designed to withstand or be easily removed before flooding events. This approach is based on successful models from flood-prone communities in Missouri, Pennsylvania, and parts of Australia that have maintained flood-adaptive fitness circuits for 15+ years.

Core Components:

  • Rustic, flood-resilient fitness stations using natural materials
  • Circuits designed for progressive fitness development
  • Mobile equipment components stored off-site during flood warnings
  • Interpretive signage explaining exercises and flood adaptation
  • Regular group fitness sessions led by volunteers
  • Seasonal fitness challenges utilizing the circuit

Volunteer Structure:

  • Circuit Coordinator (1 volunteer): Oversees entire program
  • Station Stewards (6-8 volunteers): Monitor and maintain specific stations
  • Fitness Leaders (8-10 volunteers): Lead group workout sessions
  • Equipment Managers (3-4 volunteers): Handle mobile equipment
  • Flood Response Team (5-7 volunteers): Coordinate pre/post flooding protocols

Resource Requirements:

  • Natural materials for permanent elements (logs, stones, earth berms)
  • Mobile equipment components (stored off-site)
  • Removable instructional signage
  • Tool kit for maintenance
  • Weather alert system
  • First aid kits for fitness leaders

Implementation Timeline:

  1. Month 1-2: Map suitable locations across floodplain properties
  2. Month 3-4: Design and install initial fitness stations
  3. Month 5: Train volunteer fitness leaders
  4. Month 6-7: Launch guided circuit sessions
  5. Month 8-9: Gather user feedback, refine stations
  6. Month 10-12: Implement first seasonal fitness challenge, evaluate program

Sustainability Mechanisms:

  • Flood-resilient design using primarily natural materials
  • Regular maintenance integrated into fitness activities
  • Seasonal assessment and adaptation of station elements
  • Flood response protocols protecting mobile components
  • Progressive programming maintaining participant interest

Measured Outcomes:

  • Station usage metrics
  • Participation in guided sessions
  • User progression through fitness levels
  • Equipment condition post-flooding
  • Community knowledge of fitness principles

Project Implementation Summary

Flood-Resilient Station Design:

  • Utilize natural materials that withstand periodic inundation
  • Create balance beams from secured logs
  • Develop step platforms from arranged stones
  • Establish pull-up bars on flood-resistant posts
  • Design earth-berm stations for step-ups and jumps
  • Create stations requiring no permanent infrastructure

Mobile Component System:

  • Develop inventory of portable fitness elements
  • Create secure, off-site storage location
  • Establish check-out system for group leaders
  • Design weather-triggered removal protocol
  • Create equipment maintenance schedule
  • Develop replacement plan for worn components

Circuit Programming Development:

  • Create progressive workout sequences utilizing stations
  • Develop beginner, intermediate, and advanced circuits
  • Design adaptive options for various fitness levels
  • Create specialty circuits (senior-focused, family-friendly)
  • Develop challenge cards for self-guided workouts
  • Establish group session formats and schedules

Educational Integration:

  • Design instruction sheets for each exercise station
  • Create information about muscle groups being worked
  • Develop progressive fitness training principles
  • Create connection between exercise and everyday activities
  • Design informational elements about flood resilience
  • Create “fitness passport” tracking system for participants

Community Activation Strategy:

  • Schedule regular guided circuit sessions
  • Create monthly fitness challenges
  • Develop special event workouts (solstice celebration, etc.)
  • Establish “circuit champion” recognition program
  • Create friendly team competitions
  • Develop community fitness goals with celebration events

Post-Flood Protocols:

  • Create assessment checklist for station inspection
  • Develop station restoration procedures
  • Establish community workday system for major repairs
  • Create documentation process tracking flood impacts
  • Design flexible programming during recovery periods
  • Develop celebration events marking circuit restoration