MVP Health Care, Monticello Central School District (Monticello CSD) and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) launched an outdoor Fitness Court® at Monticello High School earlier today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The MVP Health Care Fitness Court will now provide the campus and greater Monticello community with increased access to outdoor exercise programs. Monticello CSD became the first school district partner to officially join the MVP Health Care campaign in New York.
This Fitness Court was developed by MVP Health Care, Monticello CSD and NFC to expand free access to high quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities around the state. The Fitness Court is the world’s best outdoor gym that lets people use their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations.
Created with people aged 14 and over and with all abilities in mind, 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 launch of the MVP Health Care Fitness Court at Monticello High School is a step towards providing access to resources that can change the trajectory of someone’s health and wellness journey,” said MVP Health Care’s president and chief executive officer, Chris Del Vecchio. “As a leading health care services company, investing in our local communities and offering new, innovative wellness options like the Fitness Court reinforces our commitment to giving back to the people we serve and places we call home. We are proud to partner with NFC and Monticello Central School District to bring this unique opportunity to the local community and look forward to seeing you on the Fitness Court.”
Monticello Central School District is one of 27 outdoor Fitness Courts in a series of MVP Health Care Fitness Courts, joining the growing network across the state. Monticello CSD became the first Fitness Court to open in Sullivan County, and is the first school partner in New York State.
“The health and wellness of our students is a top priority of our district,” Monticello CSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Evans said. “We have a robust district-wide wellness initiative that encompasses nutrition, movement and mindfulness, and the installation of this Fitness Court serves as another opportunity to encourage our students – and our community – to develop healthy habits. We’re grateful to the many community organizations who made it possible. We encourage our community members to utilize the Fitness Court, consistent with our facilities use policy. It’s open to the public from dawn to dusk when not being used by our students.”
The initiative began in Monticello in 2022 when County Manager Josh Potosek approached Sullivan 180 — an organization dedicated to improving health in Sullivan County — and asked the organization to help facilitate a location for the MVP Health Care Outdoor Fitness Court. Monticello was selected as a community based on health outcomes, need, and opportunity. The Monticello Central School District agreed to host the new outdoor gym on its property – a prime location given the student population and the school’s proximity to several local housing complexes. Funding for the Fitness Court was made possible by: Sullivan 180, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Garnet Medical, WSUL Heart-a-thon, Sullivan County Legislative Discretionary Funding from Louis Alvarez, Nadia Rajsz and former Legislators Ira Steingart and Alan Sorensen; MVP Health Care and the National Fitness Campaign.
Amanda Langseder, Senior Director of Prevention Programming for Sullivan 180 stated, “This project is a perfect match for our mission to build a healthy community, one degree at a time; and aligns with Sullivan 180’s intentional focus on prevention and empowering a healthier generation. Our organizational goals include placemaking and creating spaces where people can get outside, be active and de-stress. We are beyond thrilled to see this resource benefit the Monti Panther community!”
“National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome Monticello Central School District to the campaign as the leading school district partner in New York, championing health and wellness for their school community,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. “The addition of the Fitness Court, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing on campus and within the greater Monticello community.”