Union County made history this August as one of the first counties in New Jersey to open multiple Fitness Courts®, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and NFC. The dual ribbon cuttings at Rahway River Park and Phil Rizzuto Park brought together county leaders, community members, and local athletes for two days of celebration, competition, and a shared commitment to health and wellness.

The festivities began on Wednesday, August 27th at Rahway River Park, where Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon welcomed guests with opening remarks. Rahway Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe presented Horizon with a proclamation recognizing their leadership in community health, while Jill Johnson, Horizon Foundation Board Member, joined VIP speakers to highlight the significance of the launch. Students from Rahway’s football and soccer teams brought energy to the event, capping the ceremony with a spirited Fitness Court challenge that showed the community exactly what the new space could deliver.

On Thursday, August 28th, the celebrations continued at Phil Rizzuto Park in Union. Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon once again led with remarks before the day’s headline event: a Fitness Court challenge between Union County Sheriff’s Officers and the Union County Police Department. The showdown drew cheers from attendees and spotlighted the Fitness Court as an inclusive, dynamic space for both residents and first responders.

The dual launches also featured Commissioner Sergio Granados, James Blake, Horizon’s Ryan Mealy, members of the Horizon Foundation Board, and the Horizon CSR Team, demonstrating the broad coalition of leaders invested in advancing wellness throughout Union County.

Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon spoke to the vision driving these projects: “We are thrilled to partner with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the National Fitness Campaign to bring inclusive, accessible fitness opportunities to our residents. These Fitness Courts are part of our larger mission to promote community health, equity, and wellness in every corner of Union County. We invite everyone to come out, get active, and experience these fantastic new resources.”

Horizon leadership echoed this commitment. “Investing in Fitness Courts is another way Horizon is working to empower our members to achieve their best health, while partnering with community organizations to build a healthier New Jersey,” said Gary D. St. Hilaire, Horizon’s President and CEO. “As New Jersey’s hometown health insurer, we’re focused on making good health more affordable and more accessible. The opportunities created by our partnership with National Fitness Campaign builds on Horizon’s ninety year history of supporting local organizations and improving the health of New Jersey’s communities.”

Union County’s commitment to expanding equitable access to exercise reflects its leadership role in New Jersey. By hosting dual launches across two major parks, the County is creating opportunities for residents of all ages and backgrounds to make fitness part of daily life.

As Commissioner Chair Lourdes Leon reinforced: “These Fitness Courts are part of our larger mission to promote community health, equity, and wellness in every corner of Union County. We invite everyone to come out, get active, and experience these fantastic new resources.”

With these two Fitness Courts, Union County has established itself as a pioneer in public-private collaboration, ensuring residents have access to free, world-class outdoor fitness opportunities.