The fitness zone, which officially opened on June 30, looks almost like a McDonald's playground, with exercise stations in bright purple and teal with yellow accents. The equipment promotes cardiovascular fitness, strength training, core strength and flexibility training and is designed to be used by all ages and fitness levels. Some of the equipment is also wheelchair accessible.

A bequest from deceased Campbell resident Rosita Patterson made the $45,000 fitness zone possible. Patterson, who died at age 101, was a frequent visitor to the senior nutrition program. Her property, which bordered the community center on Winchester Boulevard, was purchased by Melany Moore as a home for her business, Shanel Flowers.

On this hot June day, Campbell resident Sharon Taylor, 64, says she "loves" the new equipment.

"I'm a member of the health club and never go," she says. "I'm always here."

Taylor plans to add the fitness zone to her daily routine.

Timothy Kemp, 49, was trying a glider and says he's a little "freaked out" because he can't find his balance. But he still thinks he'll use it.

"I do six laps in the morning and in the evening. Hell, yeah, I'll definitely use it," Kemp says.

Valerie Cooper, Campbell recreation and fitness director, worked with K.C. Whitcomb, who manages the city's community adult center to develop the program and choose the equipment.

Cooper, who coordinates the fitness and aquatics division, says her specialty lies in this particular type of programming.

"I've done a lot of par courses, and this is probably one of the most creative and innovative formats I've ever seen," she says.

Calling it a par course doesn't do it justice. With a full complement of people trying the stations on for size, it looks more like a playground for adults.

The equipment, made of a resin-type material with a metal base, is expected to have a longer life span than typical outdoor equipment, according to Cooper.

Twelve stations are laid out in a circuit training arrangement, so a person can move easily from one piece of equipment to the next. The rubber mat is especially soft to help prevent injuries, and each station has a sign explaining how to use the equipment. On opening day some of the signs were missing, but Brett Stollenwerk, facilities maintenance manager, says they should by in place within the week.

Tracy McCowan, 31, a coach for the Campbell Wolverines--a Pop Warner Football League team--happened to be at the track with his son Tracy, 12, and nephews Travontae Grays, 11, Brandon McCowan, 9, and Dejour Grays, 7. The boys said they enjoyed the equipment, but McCowan was even more enthusiastic.

"It's excellent," he says. "I wish a lot more people would get out and use it. The equipment puts a lot less pressure on the joints than weights."

Other users, such as Donna Janoski, 50, tried to figure out the Tai Chi spinner, which appears to be designed to promote flexibility. Janoski says, "I feel something; I feel flexible," and adds that she will do this again.

Janoski uses the track three times a week and has been looking forward to opening day when she could finally try everything out.

Even after the festivities ended, several people remained to look over and try the equipment. As the crowd thinned, the younger people on the track made their way over for a closer look.

Numerous city officials, including Mayor Jane Kennedy and Claudia Cauthorn, Campbell Community Center recreation and community services department director, attended the opening.