FEATURED STORY

Activating UN Plaza in the Heart of San Francisco

San Francisco Recreation and Parks Activates Fitness Court® Music Studio

October 21, 2024

Mayor London N. Breed, the City of San Francisco and San Francisco Recreation and Parks unveiled a transformed UN Plaza to the community on November 8, 2023. The area is now a dynamic hub for recreation and scheduled activities in the Civic Center neighborhood. The revitalized space includes the nation’s first street skating plaza of its kind, family-friendly activities and the addition of a Fitness Court® Music Studio -- a free 2,000 sq. ft. workout space for adults of all ages, abilities and fitness levels to utilize. The new Fitness Court® Music Studio features a surround sound system that elevates Zumba, dance, yoga, Pilates classes and more to create the world’s best outdoor group class experience. The free outdoor gym with two programmable classrooms is within walking or biking distance of nearly 450,000 residents, providing accessible fitness options for all who live near or visit UN Plaza. 

Jessica Rae of Rae Studios poses with Mayor London N. Breed at the UN Plaza ribbon cutting.

“Great cities have great public spaces. The new programming and features at UN Plaza offer something for everyone and that’s by design. Vibrant spaces are made up of all different kinds of people pursuing all kinds of healthy fun.” - San Francisco Recreation and Parks General Manager Phil Ginsburg

Recognizing the need for community wellness programming and activation on the exciting new amenity at UN Plaza, Rae Studios, a San Francisco based dance studio serving the community since 2011 was excited to partner with San Francisco Recreation and Parks. Together they launched a 13-month workout series featuring outdoor dance and fitness classes. Classes offered range from cardio dance, dance choreography, K-Pop, Pilates, and barre. All classes offered are free to the public, igniting accessible outdoor fitness with up to 12 classes per week -- mornings, evenings and weekend times to fit busy schedules.

"We at Rae Studios are so proud to work directly with National Fitness Campaign providing outdoor fitness and dance classes.  Not only did NFC provide a huge opportunity for Rae Studios to work with San Francisco Civic Center and San Francisco Recreation and Parks, but NFC provided job opportunities to over a dozen local instructors for work, doing what they love best -- providing movement for all!" - Jessica Rae, Owner/CEO of Rae Studios

Since the free classes began in December, Claire Lee has signed up for 21 total classes (and counting)! The Fitness Court® Music Studio is just a few minutes walk away for Claire which makes it incredibly easy for her to incorporate exercise into her routine. Claire has enjoyed the daily classes offered, from learning hip hop choreography to exhilarating Zumba workouts, the offerings ensure there's something for everyone, regardless of fitness level or preference.

Fitness Court® Music Studio is activated on both sides as an integral part of the redesigned UN Plaza.
"The free classes at the Fitness Court® are the best thing to happen in my neighborhood! It's not only convenient, but it also fosters a sense of community and promotes health and wellness for everyone. These classes have become a cornerstone of my day, providing a fun and accessible way to stay active and engaged with my local community!"

Since the partnership launched in December 2023 there has been a 113% increase in attendance in just the first two months of programming. Increasing the frequency of the classes offered has created more of a presence at UN Plaza, bringing new and returning students to have fun, break a sweat and build community at the Fitness Court® Music Studio. Visit Rae Studios website for a full list of class offerings and how to sign up.

To learn more about how you can activate your local Fitness Court®, become a Fitness Court® Ambassador today!

Don't have a Fitness Court® near you? Let's work together to bring wellness programming to your community today!

The Fitness Court is right in the heart of the UN Plaza

See more of Rae Studios recent projects & sign up for the FREE classes at the UN Plaza Fitness Court!!!