YOUNGSTOWN — Potential Development had a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday to dedicate the newly built outdoor fitness center at Potential Development High School, 2405 Market St.

The fitness and recreational area, a $175,000 project, includes a cardio stepper, chest and back press, squat press, elliptical, angled balance beams, and other fitness equipment specifically designed for encouraging outdoor activity in older children.

CEO Paul Garchar noted, “In addition to the many health benefits students will receive from the upgraded facility, the equipment can be utilized for therapeutic purposes and for Special Olympics training. We are grateful to the many funders who contributed to the realization of this project.”

Contributions were received from numerous sources, including Jason Kokrak, PGA Golfer, Poland Rotary, Frances and Lillian Schermer Charitable Trusts, William M. Neckerman Charitable Foundation, Senator Maurice and Florence Lipscher Charitable Fund, Thomases Family Endowment, J. Ford Crandall Memorial Fund, Frank and Pearl Gelbman Foundation, The Youngstown Foundation, Schwebel Family Foundation, and from the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley-the Kennedy Family Fund, the Young Philanthropist Fund, William Swanston Charitable Fund, and the Delfin Gilbert Fund for Disadvantaged Children and Youth.

Representatives from many of the funding organizations were be present.

Crissi Jenkins, chief growth officer, said, “Outdoor education and play support emotional, behavioral and intellectual development in children. The outdoor fitness center is an important part of our studentsá education and we are indebted to the many donors in our community who have generously helped us achieve this goal. More so, our students are excited to have an outdoor space that they can use on a daily basis.”

In addition to the fitness center ribbon cutting, buddy benches will be dedicated in memory of three former Potential Development students, Tucker Kufleitner, Nathan McStowe and Cody Straley. Buddy benches are meant to signal to others that they need someone to play with or talk to eliminate loneliness and encourage inclusion.

Garchar said, “Creating a tangible way to honor the memories of Tucker, Nathan and Cody was very important to us. The buddy benches will remind us that they were a special part of the Potential Development family.”

Potential Development is a Pre-K through 12th grade school for children with autism. It provides children with autism a safe, structured educational environment with supportive services that give students the necessary skills and independence to lead a productive life.