A fitness coach in the Bronx has started a petition to bring back the outdoor fitness equipment at Macombs Dam Park.

While the pandemic was raging in New York City, the Parks Department took away the equipment, citing a lack of social distancing.

Quincy France, who grew up in the area, says he sees how much the neighborhood gets out of the equipment.

"Right now, during COVID, the world is realizing how beneficial body weight exercises is,” he told News 12. “The community understands how good fitness is for the immune system and they know that this is the key to life, this is the key to longevity."

France says the problem was exacerbated by the Parks Department because the equipment was not dismantled properly. He says someone used a saw “crudely” which is sure to delay the amount of time it will take to get replaced.

When France called the Parks Department, he says he was told that replacing the equipment was “on the agenda” but they have “other priorities.”

He has since reached out to politicians and started a petition on Change.org. So far, it has 532 signatures in three days.

News 12 has reached out to the Parks Department for its response. In a statement, the department said, "Safety remains our main priority – the fitness equipment at Macombs Dam Park has reached its life expectancy and we are planning to replace it as quickly as possible; a timeline has yet to be determined. We appreciate the patience of the Concourse Village community as we seek funding to replace this equipment."