2 New Fitness Facilities Opening This Week In Union County

UNION COUNTY, NJ - Two new state-of-the-art multipurpose fitness courts are opening this week in Rahway and Union.

The open-air wellness Fitness Courts are free to use, and available to anyone ages 14 and over. The facilities feature a circuits of seven full body stations that allow users to leverage their own weight in order to complete a workout.

In speaking to Patch, Kelly Martins, Director of Communication and Public Information for Union County, confirmed that the total cost for the installation of the two new Fitness Courts in Rahway and Union was approximately $500,000. The projects were fully funded through grants, including a $100,000 contribution from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. The remaining balance was made possible through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

In partnership with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the National Fitness Campaign (NFC), Union County becomes one of the first counties in the state to introduce multiple courts through this public-private venture. There are currently Fitness Courts across 14 of the state's 21 counties.

While there are no immediate plans for additional installations across the county, Martins says they are ready for the next opportunity. "We are always open to exploring future opportunities if additional grant funding becomes available. Our priority remains expanding access to free, inclusive health and wellness initiatives that benefit residents in every community.

“These Fitness Courts are part of our larger mission to promote community health, equity, and wellness in every corner of Union County," adds Lourdes M. Leon, Commissioner Chair of Union County. “We invite everyone to come out, get active, and experience these fantastic new resources.”

The National Fitness Campaign began in 1979, and is a firm that constructs wellness plans for cities, schools and sponsors nationwide. Along with what they call "the world's best outdoor gym," the NFC is looking to place a Fitness Court within a 10-minute bike ride of every American. The firm is actively growing the country's largest public-private partnership supporting wellness with this initiative.

“We are excited to have Union County join us in the journey to improve health and wellness as we work to make a powerful and long-lasting impact on health outcomes and happiness by building healthy communities across America,’’ added NFC Founder Mitch Menaged. “The addition of the outdoor Fitness Courts, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the community.”

The public is invited to join local leaders, project partners and more at two grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremonies this week:

1. Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. (Rahway River Park, Rahway)
2. Thursday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. (Phil Rizzuto Park, Union)

There is no time slot or requirement when using the equipment, and everyone is invited to move at their own speed. Guided workouts and coaching are also available via the Fitness Court app.

Patch reached out to the Board of County Commissioners in order to learn more about the funding for the project, and any plans for future installations.

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