California Department of Parks and Recreation, the City of Carpinteria, and Community Leaders:

We, the residents, families, and visitors of Carpinteria, call for immediate action to replace and modernize the severely degraded outdoor workout equipment located at the intersection of Linden Avenue and Sandyland Road on Carpinteria State Beach property.

For years, this coastal exercise area has served as a vital, free, open-air health resource where community members of all ages and fitness levels gather to exercise outdoors. Today, however, years of neglect and exposure have left the existing structures rusted, unsafe, and largely unusable—turning what should be a proud public health asset into a dangerous safety hazard and eye sore for adults and visitors alike.

While State Parks officials have cited a lack of allocated state funding to address these deteriorating structures, our community cannot afford to let this prized beachfront location fall into further disrepair. Carpinteria is world-renowned for its coastal beauty, active outdoor lifestyle, and strong community spirit. Investing in updated, weather-resistant, and inclusive fitness equipment will eliminate an ongoing liability, foster public health equity, and restore a key piece of our waterfront so everyone can safely enjoy the very best of Carpinteria.

As someone who frequents our community workout area, I have witnessed firsthand what an invaluable resource it is for so many of us. The ability to exercise in a beautiful, natural setting not only enhances our physical health but also enriches our mental well-being and fosters a sense of community.

Research shows that public outdoor gyms can boost the physical and mental health of communities by providing accessible and free exercise opportunities. They help reduce obesity rates, encourage active lifestyles, and contribute to the overall quality of life. In our case, modernizing this space with new equipment could revolutionize our community's engagement with fitness and health.

By signing this petition, we urge California State Parks to collaborate with local municipal leaders, community organizations, and grant funding partners to secure the necessary resources to remove the hazardous equipment and install modern, durable outdoor fitness infrastructure.