The Beaufort County Health Department just made getting fit this summer a whole lot easier.

With a project that began in early spring, the department added to its list of available services they offer to help Beaufort County residents take a step towards a healthier lifestyle.

The department finished creating a half-mile fitness trail outside of the building earlier this month. The spacious, concrete path stretches from just outside the department and loops around the parking lot. The trail is open to the community, completely free of charge.

JaNell Lewis, a health department specialist, said the decision to transform the land into a fitness trail was an easy one because it gives county residents an easily accessible opportunity to get outside and exercise. Lewis said it could give their clients something to do while they wait for their friends and family.

“A lot of our efforts have stemmed from the lack of physical activity in Beaufort County, and everywhere actually, so this is just to provide another outlet for people to get physical activity,” Lewis said.

Lewis explained that the trail makes a “figure 8” around the parking lot with eight “fitness stations” positioned along the path. Stations include jumping jacks, Triceps dips, calf raises, squatting and more. Each station comes with instructions on how to do each exercise correctly. Another station helps determine heart rate.

Lewis said the idea was a simple one because the trail almost created itself after the removal of some debris and rubble.

“The rubble got cleared out in March, and once that was gone, the path was pretty much already there,” Lewis said.

The Beaufort County Health Department is located at 1436 Highland Drive in Washington. The trail is open to the public from dusk to dawn, though department staff ask residents not to use it at night due to safety reasons.