FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — Laughter and cheers filled the air on May 17 at the newly opened GroundPlay Outdoor Fitness Family Park. Soldiers, their families, and children gathered to enjoy Demo Day, an event hosted by the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) to mark the park’s opening.
The park features several distinct areas: a group fitness zone, a multi-use sports court, a playground, workout stations with durable outdoor fitness equipment, a running track, and a seating area with picnic tables. Funded by the Installation Management Command at a cost of $2 million, the park was designed to support family-friendly fitness through a holistic approach.
“This park shows our strong commitment to improving life for Soldiers and their families here at The Great Place,” said Col. Lakicia Stokes, commander of U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos. “When we started this project last year, we weren’t just building a facility. We were building a stronger community. This park, the first of its kind in the Army, offers more than just equipment and courts. It creates a vibrant space for fitness, recreation, and friendship. It reflects our dedication to health of mind, body, and spirit.
“But make no mistake, this park is just the beginning,” she added. “It’s a place where teams can connect outside of formal training, where children will create lasting memories with friends, and where fitness becomes a shared way of life.”
The park officially opened after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. Leaders from Fort Cavazos, representatives from DFMWR, and officials from Kompan—a company specializing in designing and installing playgrounds and outdoor fitness sites—came together to celebrate the new facility.
“What makes me proud is that this facility is truly one of a kind,” said Brad Pittam, sales director for solution partners at Kompan. “There is nothing like it anywhere else in the country, or even the world. We have over 40,000 square feet of fitness and play areas ready for families to enjoy.
“At Kompan, we aim to create happier, healthier communities. I believe we’ve achieved that here, and I’m very proud to have built this for the Army,” he continued. “Our goal is simple: to make everyone in this community happier.”
Demo Day featured a variety of fitness activities, including applied functional fitness, Zumba, and yoga classes. The event also offered the May and June Great Fitness Challenges, pickleball lessons, and massage therapy, all within sight of the playground.
“It was great to watch my daughter and know she was safe while I worked out,” said Spc. Robert Gaytan of the 4th Missile Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. “That gave me real peace of mind as a parent.”
GroundPlay is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on weekends from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The park is located behind the Abrams Physical Fitness Center on 58th Street.
