By The Epoch Times | Created at 2026-09-05 22:43:05 | Updated at 2026-09-06 00:08:29
1 hour ago
The Fitness Court at Maple Hill Park in Middletown, N.Y., on Sept. 2, 2026. Oliver Mantyk/The Epoch Times
MIDDLETOWN, N.Y.—Two outdoor fitness courts were opened in Orange County with the help of funding secured by state Sen. James Skoufis, one in Middletown and one in Port Jervis.
Skoufis cut the ribbon on both sites on Sept. 1, marking the completion of projects for which he secured $500,000 in state funding. MVP Health Care contributed $80,000 to the construction as well.
The two National Fitness Campaign fitness courts are located at Middletown’s Maple Hill Park and the Port Jervis High School, and are free to the public.
The equipment is designed for a complete workout using seven exercise stations, and are accessible for all fitness levels. A free app provided by the National Fitness Campaign can assist with using the exercise equipment. The fitness courts are recommended for people 14 and older.
A Fitness Court from the National Fitness Campaign is a 38-foot by 38-foot concrete slab, designed and manufactured in the United States. The equipment includes pull up bars, pulling ladders, open floor for agility and core training, and squat stations.
The National Fitness Campaign is a wellness consulting firm whose mission is to change health outcomes in America. They help to plan, design, and fund Fitness Courts, and aim to have 5,000 free outdoor courts by 2030.
Skoufis said at Maple Hill Park: “Not everyone can get to a gym, not everyone can pay for a membership, not everyone wants to be indoors when getting physically fit. So these spaces have become important community spaces.”
Middletown common council president Miguel Rodrigues said that this was an improvement for the community, and adds to the expansion of Maple Hill Park, where the Fitness Court sits next to a tennis court and a future splash pad.
Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano said in a statement that the new addition is an innovative way to stay active and enjoy the city park. He thanked MVP Health Care, the National Fitness Campaign, and Skoufis for their roles in getting the project funded and across the finish line.
Port Jervis City School District Superintendent John Bell said in a statement that the schools are thrilled to have more outdoor physical activity opportunities for their students.
