PETERSBURG — While all of the equipment has already been used to help raise users’ fitness levels, officials will cut the ribbon on the new fitness studio Oct. 1 at Amanda’s Field.
According to a news release, Upper Township Recreation, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) have partnered to bring an outdoor Fitness Court Studio and digital wellness programming to the township.
The studio at the field is set to open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
According to NFC, the concept was developed to expand free access to workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities across the region. It lets users leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations, according to the release.
Created for those of all abilities age 14 and older, the workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users also may download the free Fitness Court app, which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience, the release stated.
Upper Township Recreation is one of the first 20 NFC partners building a network of Fitness Courts across the state, with the help of Horizon.
“I’m proud to see the new Fitness Court Studio come to Upper Township and grateful to National Fitness Campaign, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cape May County for supporting this important investment in our community,” Committeeman Sam Palombo said. “Providing residents with accessible opportunities to exercise, stay healthy and spend time outdoors is a great way to keep Upper Township active and connected.”
Township Committee secured more than $1 million in grants to make major upgrades to the recreation complex, including a new skateboard park and bathrooms, as well as the studio.
The Cape May County Board of County Commissioners approved a shared services agreement with the township on April 14, authorizing as much as $1,129,576 in Open Space funding for the facility.
The county-owned property is located along Route 50 and managed by Upper Township. The project included the new outdoor fitness court and studio, featuring a 38-foot by 73-foot pad equipped with multiple exercise stations.
The space is designed to support both individual workouts and organized fitness classes, offering seven distinct movement circuits with instructional components. This addition expands recreational opportunities by providing free, accessible fitness options for residents of all ages and abilities.
Committeeman Zach Palombo had brought the idea to the township after seeing one outside Ocean City High School that was popular with youths and adults alike.
The improvements also place a strong emphasis on accessibility and community gathering. Plans include the installation of a new ADA-compliant concrete walkway system, connecting key elements of the site and ensuring ease of use for all visitors, according to the county.
The total project cost is estimated at $1.61 million. Additional funding includes a grant contribution and a local match from Upper Township, which will also oversee all aspects of design, permitting, construction and long-term maintenance.
Other amenities at Amanda’s Field include a 1.3-mile walking path and 18-hole disc golf course. Sports fields in the interior of the park are dedicated to team athletics, showcasing baseball diamonds, a softball complex and an indoor baseball facility. Rounding out Amanda’s Field is also a newly renovated street hockey rink.
“Investing in Fitness Courts is another way Horizon is working to empower our members to achieve their best health, while partnering with community organizations to build a healthier New Jersey,” said Gary D. St. Hilaire, Horizon’s chairman and CEO. “As New Jersey’s hometown health insurer, we’re focused on making good health more affordable and more accessible. The opportunities created by our partnership with National Fitness Campaign builds on Horizon’s 90-year history of supporting local organizations and improving the health of New Jersey’s communities.”
“We are excited to have Township of Upper Recreation 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,’’ said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. “The addition of the outdoor Fitness Court Studio, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the community.”
Residents are invited to attend the opening ceremony. Contact Upper Township Recreation at RecreationDepartment@upperTownship.com and (609) 628-2011, ext. 248, for more information.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff