Donna Richardson loves to exercise.

“It’s good for your body, mind and soul,” said the Dawson County resident.

Recently, Richardson got to try out some of the new outdoor exercise equipment at Veterans Memorial Park.

Five fitness stations have been installed along the new one-mile trail. Each station has different types of exercises that focus on stretching, strength and balance.

Richardson was one of the first to try out the new equipment last week as she walked with Dawson County Senior Center Coordinator Rachelle Thurmond and several others.

“I think this is great,” Richardson said. “Anytime you can get outside and exercise, I think it’s wonderful.”

Richardson was accompanied by Barbara Wallace.

Wallace said the trail was “a great addition to the park ... it’s good to be able to add this to the other exercise we do here on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”

A group of women meet at the senior center twice a week. They warm up with a one-mile walk, do their rounds on the fitness equipment, then head inside the senior center where it’s air conditioned to wrap up their routines.

Thurmond said having the new outdoor fitness equipment is advantageous for seniors.

“[The equipment] is specifically designed to provide older adults with the opportunity to walk outdoors and stretch and strengthen their bodies.”

Added Thurmond: “They also become social gathering places where people can exercise with their friends or meet new acquaintances.”

For more information, call the senior center at (706) 344-3700.