The City of Moran sent out a Thrive-designed survey with recent utility bills, requesting resident opinions on the idea of a community exercise center:

Another signature program of Thrive also is taking shape.

Surveys were sent with utility bills last month asking residents what they would like to have in the way of community exercise. Respondents numbered 69, from 250 surveys distributed. Forty-six said they would use an exercise facility twice or more a week, eight at least once a week. Overwhelming motivation, at 56, was general physical fitness; another 29 want to lose weight.

Many marked several types of equipment — from free weights to stationary bikes to elliptical trainers — and aerobics, yoga and dancing were popular group activities. Most said they would like a walking trail, another 26 a safe place to ride bicycles.

“We need to get a building and then work with Thrive on equipment,” Mayor Merkel observed.” The proposal will be on the April 4 agenda.

Read more from the Iola Register

Additional results of the community survey indicated that 65% of respondents currently exercise, and 75% of respondents think they’d use an exercise facility at least once a week. The greatest activities/sports of interest are walking and biking. Of the 69 respondents, 26 offered to volunteer to help staff the community exercise center, while 33 said that they’d rather pay a small fee to support the center.

There were lots of positive comments: “Getting a place to exercise in Moran would be great.”, “I think this would be great for our community.”, “I’m all for it!”, “I would love to have a place to work out that doesn’t involve driving to Iola or Fort Scott every day!”, “I know a lot of people that would use a place to exercise and not have to drive far to get to. Great idea!”