Auburn gains MOMentum with fitness on the go

Auburn's Les Gove Park has MOMentum. Paige Green Dunn – actress and wife of King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn – and Kelly Singer – a personal trainer and founder of Sassy Fit – have come up with an idea to make workout equipment available to busy, on-the-go mothers as they watch their kids play in the park.

Auburn’s Les Gove Park has MOMentum.

Paige Green Dunn – actress and wife of King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn – and Kelly Singer – a personal trainer and founder of Sassy Fit – have come up with an idea to make workout equipment available to busy, on-the-go mothers as they watch their kids play in the park.

The first equipment installment was Saturday at the Auburn park.

“I was inspired to do this project because as a mom, I see how tough it can be to find time to exercise,” said Dunn, who has a 2-year-old son, Hayden. “Whether the problem is not having a gym membership, not being able to afford a babysitter or being a working mom who doesn’t have much time with her kids, it can be a challenge.”

Dunn points out that not every mother can afford a gym membership.

“I have received so much from my own community,” she said, “this is my attempt to give something in return.”

Moms will have the chance to focus on their own health and well being while also encouraging it of their children, organizers say.

The stationary fitness stations require no electricity. Each outdoor gym offers low-impact cardio equipment and strengthening machines that focus on the areas moms care about most – arms, abs, hips and thighs, organizers explain.

Efforts are under way to raise $20,000 for the equipment and installation at Les Gove Park. The playground-tested exercise stations will be available to moms year round, organizers say.

MOMentum was created to keep the importance of health and wellness a top priority so that busy moms don’t lose track of themselves. A healthy mother makes for a healthy family, organizers emphasize.

“I believe that healthy mothers raise healthy communities,” Singer said. “If we can make it easier for moms to exercise with quality equipment in a safe environment, she will become the foundation for a lifetime of healthy choices for herself and everyone around her.”

Les Gove Park proved to be a good starting place for the project.

“We wanted to find a park that was always buzzing, and it seemed like a perfect fit,” Dunn said. “We wanted this equipment to be used, and Les Gove Park is a busy place. We’re really excited about the park.

“But what really inspired me about Auburn is what the City and the schools are doing to conquer obesity,” Dunn added. “It made me realize that this is an area that could use this equipment and be part of our effort.”

The Auburn High School DECA Chapter – a student leadership organization for marketing and business students – supported grand-opening activities for the project.

TEAM Auburn—Commit to Fit student volunteers distributed information and set up booths.

The Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department and the Junior League of Seattle hosted the event.