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When Guilderland Town Board member Jacob Crawford originally heard of the Fitness Court® Studio as part of MVP Health Care and National Fitness Campaign’s partnership, he said to Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy, “I told him I want the first one in Guilderland, and he delivered.”
Hosting a groundbreaking ceremony in May 2023 preceding the launch event in July, allowed for additional press and media to get the community excited for the first Fitness Court® Studio in the state to launch in the Capital Region.
Located in the center of the Town of Guilderland, Tawasentha Park consists of 200 acres of rolling wooded and open play areas and is known for its beautiful gardens. Town Supervisor Barber went on to say that the Fitness Court® would be a great addition to Tawasentha Park without any cost to the town. He noted its location near the pool where a splash pad will soon be installed and near the performing arts center where work upgrading the center is underway.
“This is a huge park, and it has a lot to offer, but this facility in particular adds another element. We want to make sure that people have opportunities. We want to make sure that we give people the options where they can best exercise, where they feel comfortable.” - Guilderland Town Supervisor Peter Barber
Both the groundbreaking and launch events featured leaders from the Town, County and MVP Health Care. Guilderland Town Supervisor Barber, Albany County Executive McCoy, Guilderland council members Amanda Beedle and Crawford, Albany County legislators Mark Grimm and Jeff Perlee along with MVP Health Care’s Vice President of Community Engagement, Ellen Sax all came together to celebrate equitable access to fitness in Albany County.
During the launch event, Yoga by Nikki held a yoga class on the Fitness Court® Studio classroom with members of the community. Stacie Hebert, MVP Health Care’s Health Promotion Program Manager provided a full demonstration on the Fitness Court®, showcasing all seven stations at various skill levels and modifications. Since the official ribbon cutting in July, Tawasentha Park has seen lots of activity through group programming and everyday use, even taking home the 2023 NY Healthiest Community Award for the Check-In Challenge that took place this September. The Fitness Court® Studio at Tawasentha Park has a bright future of activation and according to County Executive McCoy, “the catalyst that will launch all of the other communities.”
