Outdoor fitness circuit coming to Reading Park thanks to partnership between Cenovus and Activate Allen County

The Lima Refinery has made a three-year commitment to Activate Allen County through a $250,000 donation.

LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Cenovus Energy and Activate Allen County are teaming up to start some healthy living initiatives throughout the Greater Lima Region.

Outdoor fitness circuit coming to Reading Park thanks to partnership between Cenovus and Activate Allen County

They made the announcement at Central Lima Neighborhood Association Reading Park, which will be the site of the first project, an outdoor fitness circuit.

The Lima Refinery has made a three-year commitment to Activate Allen County through a $250,000 donation. They made the announcement at Central Lima Neighborhood Association Reading Park, which will be the site of the first project, an outdoor fitness circuit. Cenovus officials say the partnership with Activate Allen County follows their core beliefs of supporting the communities where they operate.

Outdoor fitness circuit coming to Reading Park thanks to partnership between Cenovus and Activate Allen County

People can grow physically as well as mentally in the green space across from Mercy Health-Saint Rita's.

"One of our key values for the refinery is to make it better and do it together, and this partnership with Activate Allen County really plays into those cultural beliefs that we share. It's important for us to have green space in the community for the community that we operate in. That's why we chose this partnership to participate in," says Dean Hempfling, general manager of Cenovus Energy Lima Refinery. 

Outdoor fitness circuit coming to Reading Park thanks to partnership between Cenovus and Activate Allen County

The fitness equipment at the Reading Park will be installed by the end of the year.

They broke ground for the additions to the Reading Park. So, people can grow physically as well as mentally in the green space across from Mercy Health-Saint Rita's.

"We are looking to uplift the health of the community in different ways. From pocket parks to safety programs, we are really looking at meeting the community where they are at and providing some more additional resources for folks to make the healthy choice the easy choice. We believe in liberty, so we don't want to tell people what to do, but we want people to have the information and ability to make those healthy choices, and Cenovus Energy and Activate Allen County will do that in our community through a number of different programs and initiatives that you will be hearing more about in the upcoming months and years," says Josh Unterbrink, Activate Allen County.

Activate Allen County is looking for two more spots for pocket parks. The fitness equipment at the Reading Park will be installed by the end of the year.


August 9, 2024, Press Release from Activate Allen County: Lima, OH – August 9, 2024– Cenovus Energy and Activate Allen County are thrilled to announce a new partnership aimed at supporting healthy behaviors and providing valuable resources to families and individuals in our region. This collaboration will support a variety of programs and initiatives designed to foster active living and healthy eating, enhancing the quality of life for all residents of Lima, OH. We invite the media to join us for a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday 8/9/24 at 9 a.m. at 938 W. North St. Lima, OH (CLNA Reading Park).

A Vision for a Healthier Community: Our partnership is rooted in a shared vision of a healthier, more vibrant community. Through a series of well-planned initiatives, we are committed to creating an environment that encourages and supports healthy lifestyles.

Key Initiatives Include:

  1. Enhancements to Green Spaces & Pocket Parks: We will invest in the development and enhancement of green spaces and pocket parks throughout Lima. These areas will provide safe and accessible locations for physical activities, relaxation, and community gatherings, contributing to the overall well-being of our residents.
  2. Public Safety Initiatives: Recognizing the importance of safety in promoting active living, we will implement public safety initiatives aimed at creating secure environments.
  3. Health Symposiums: Educational health symposiums will be organized to provide valuable information on various health topics. These events will feature expert speakers, interactive sessions, and resources to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

A Message from Our Leaders: "We are incredibly excited to join forces with Activate Allen County in this important initiative," said Dean Hempfling, General Manager, Cenovus Energy Lima Refinery. "At Cenovus Energy, we are committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate. By supporting healthy behaviors and providing essential resources, we believe we can make a lasting difference in the lives of Lima's residents."

"Activate Allen County has always been dedicated to promoting health and wellness in our community," added Josh Unterbrink, Co-Director of Activate Allen County. "This partnership with Cenovus Energy will allow us to expand our reach and enhance our programs, ultimately it will help us in creating a healthier and more active community."

About Cenovus Energy: About Cenovus Energy: Cenovus Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. The company is focused on managing its assets in a safe, innovative and cost-efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its business plans.

About Activate Allen County: Activate Allen County is a community-led initiative focused on improving health and wellness in Allen County, OH. Through collaborative partnerships and evidence-based programs, we strive to create an environment that supports healthy living for all residents.

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