West Seneca Celebrates Fitness Court Launch with an Exciting Fitness Challenge and Wellness Opportunities

The Town of West Seneca hosted a “Fitness Court Launch” in partnership with the National Fitness Campaign and MVP Healthcare with a ribbon cutting ceremony, fitness demonstration, fitness challenge and community workout. This Fitness Court provides the community with an outdoor exercise opportunity containing seven movement stations to achieve a full body workout in seven minutes. There is even a free app that will unlock thousands of workouts and the opportunity to host classes. Created for people aged 14 and over, and with all abilities in mind, the workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels and allow users to move at their own pace.

The MVP Health Care Fitness Court in West Seneca is a result of a partnership between MVP Health Care and NFC to expand free access to high quality workouts for communities around the state. This year, the Town of West Seneca and dozens of other select recipients from around the country were awarded a $50,000 grant from NFC to help support the program. In addition to grant funding, a municipal match and local sponsorships from CPL Architects, EBC Payroll and HR Services, and Tompkins Insurance were contributed to make the project possible.

“The past several years have reminded us how important our health is. This fitness court will provide a free, inclusive, and accessible opportunity for residents to prioritize their health. The soccer complex is heavily utilized by walkers, runners, and bikers, so it is the perfect place to add a complimentary workout hub. In the short time this fitness court has been in place, it has already been enjoyed by many people. It is another great community asset for West Seneca,” said West Seneca Supervisor Gary Dickson.

The National Fitness Campaign (NFC) developed the trademarked seven-station system in 2012 hoping to inspire municipalities to transform public spaces into community fitness hubs. There are currently 150+ active Fitness Court locations across the country, and the campaign will reach a total of 250 cities and schools by the end of 2022.

The West Seneca Bikes and Free Wheel Mobile Bike Shop took an interest in the new court and decided to enhance it with a new bike rack that will be installed soon. This helps connect bikers to the fitness court as well, who often stop through the West Seneca Soccer Complex.

“I want to thank the Town of West Seneca for the improvements we are seeing in our community. From the Harlem Road pump track, the splash pad, winter trail grooming at Sunshine Park, bike lanes on Center Rd to this incredible fitness court, residents and our neighbors have a reason to visit our town and local businesses! I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next!” said Chris Holmes, Owner of Free Wheel Mobile Bike Shop & Founder of “West Seneca Bikes”.

Val Halady, Fitness Instructor for the Senior Center and Ally Marshall, Recreation Leader for the Recreation Department led a fitness demonstration and fitness challenge. Community leaders, local gyms, West Seneca sports organizations, Chamber of Commerce members, sponsors and residents were invited to join. The event concluded with an opportunity to participate in a “community workout”.

Shirts, hats and sweatshirts from the National Fitness Campaign were given out, as well as snacks donated and distributed by Wegmans. Free Health Screenings were also made available at this exciting event by William Cleary and West Seneca Fire District 6 who brought an ambulance, waters, Gatorades and their blood pressure reader and pulse oximeter. To welcome new people to the soccer park, the West Seneca Soccer Club also brought jerseys to compliment the strong “team mentality” this event created.

This launch event was an example of the community coming together to contribute and celebrate. The Town is already seeing local gyms show interest and desire to get involved and man people using the court. Luke Fernando and Three Boys Video Production even offered to do probono videography on the event. We are excited to see how the video will turn out so news of the new court can spread to more West Seneca residents.

The West Seneca Soccer Complex is becoming a fitness hub for all to enjoy! Anyone who is interested in getting more involved, becoming a training ambassador, or learning more can contact Amelia Greenan in the West Seneca Supervisor’s Office at agreenan@twsny.org.

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