Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College celebrated the grand opening of a new Outdoor Fitness Station on its Jackson County Campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 12.

Present at the ceremony were college representatives, AARP officials, students, and community members.

The event highlighted MGCCC’s dedication to promoting health and wellness for both the college and the surrounding community and was funded through a grant from AARP.

Located next to the walking track on the front side of campus, the Outdoor Fitness Station offers a variety of fitness equipment that caters to multiple exercise styles, from strength training to cardio. Each piece of equipment includes a QR code for easy access to instructional videos, helping users perform exercises correctly and effectively. This accessible approach empowers individuals of all fitness levels to improve their health and stay active.

“The new Outdoor Fitness Station is an exciting addition to our campus,” said Dr. Cedric Bradley, Jackson County Campus Vice President. “We previously had a fitness station in this location, but over time it became outdated and was removed. This new facility now provides our community, students, and employees with a modern space where they can work out and stay in shape—without the added cost of a gym membership. It’s a great way to encourage healthy habits and enhance our commitment to wellness.”

The fitness station underscores MGCCC’s mission to support physical wellness and accessibility by creating opportunities that foster active, healthy lifestyles. The new station will be available year-round for MGCCC students, faculty, staff, and members of the public.