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Hillier Ignite Fitness Park already seeing a lot of activity at Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Posted at 7:17 PM, Jul 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-13 19:18:03-04

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - A new outdoor gym at the oceanfront is now up and running.  The Hillier Ignite Fitness Park opened up on 36th Street on the beach a couple weeks ago, and it's already seeing a lot of activity.

"I think it's amazing.  It gives people the opportunity to work out, and then, you know, go in the water and cool off when you're done," said one tourist.

Even though the gym was donated to the city, it faced some opposition when it was first proposed.

Originally, the plan was to put it around 40th Street, but some people who lived nearby were worried it might block their view.

Now, set up in front of some of the hotels, both tourists and locals are trying it out.

"Yesterday there was, it looked like a fitness program out here.  There were people jumping on that thing, climbing up the ropes, and using everything it.  It was pretty cool," said Paul Lindler, visiting from Dallas.

"I think it's great, gets peoples' faces out of the screens and out do something physical," said Andy Baxley, visiting from Baltimore.

A lifeguard says they've been using it to workout together in the morning.

According to a representative from Hillier Ignite, a group of fitness enthusiasts from Santa Monica even flew in just to check it out when it first opened.

The fitness park is based off one located there.

Some tourists tell News3, now they'd like to see one where they live.

"It's great.  I hope it catches on other places.  It's a great idea," said Baxley.

"I love this place.  I keep telling my wife we need to get one in Dallas because it's a great workout and it's tons of fun," said Lindler.