San Leandro Brings a Fitness Court to the Bay, and California Keeps Growing

news@nfchq.com

Marina Park sits along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, where the water opens up and the sky does too. It is the kind of public space that already draws people out, and on October 10 it became home to something new: a free-to-use, seven-station outdoor gym open to anyone 14 and up, designed for all fitness levels, and built through a partnership between the City of San Leandro and the Rotary Club of San Leandro.

The ribbon was cut by a group that reflected the full depth of investment behind the project: Mayor Juan González, Councilmember Fred Simon, Vicente Zuniga as Recreation and Parks Director, representatives from Supervisor Lena Tam's office, the Rotary Club of San Leandro, the Recreation and Parks Commission, and the Senior Commission. Luana España, Ward 4 Director of the East Bay Regional Park District, also joined, a fitting presence given that Marina Park sits within the East Bay shoreline that the District stewards.

Following the ribbon cutting, the activation kicked off with demonstrations led by the Recreation and Parks team alongside an impressive group of local first responders. San Leandro Police, including SWAT cadets, and the Alameda County Fire Department joined Parks staff on the Fitness Court to put all seven stations through their paces, showing the crowd what the equipment could do across every fitness level. Having law enforcement, fire, and parks professionals on the Fitness Court together sent a clear message about who this space is built for.

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Rotary Club marking its 100th year with something lasting

The Rotary Club of San Leandro was established on December 26, 1926. As the club entered its centennial year, leadership was looking for a way to mark it with something permanent, something that would serve the community long after the celebration was over. The Fitness Court at Marina Park was the answer. Club President Kenneth Pon described the thinking behind it:

"As we started our 100th year of service to San Leandro, we were looking for a way to create a lasting, visible legacy to our 100th anniversary, something that would serve the communities long after the celebration was over. This Marina Park outdoor Fitness Court appealed to the Rotary Club because it fit the objectives of creating a permanent public amenity with the city of San Leandro, that continues a long history of practical community improvements." Kenneth Pon, President, Rotary Club of San Leandro

Pon also articulated exactly what the Fitness Court is designed to do, and for whom: "The Rotary Club of San Leandro envisions the Marina Park Fitness Court as a free, outdoor, public resource that removes many of the usual barriers to exercise, especially membership fees, gym transportation, and the need for specialized facilities. It is intended to serve multiple generations, support all fitness levels in an accessible outdoor setting, encourage regular exercise routines, and create an inclusive community gathering place."

Mayor Juan González connected the Fitness Court directly to what makes Marina Park special and what makes this investment meaningful for San Leandro:

"Whether you're just beginning your fitness journey or looking for a new way to stay active, this Fitness Court is for you. I love that we're bringing something to Marina Park that encourages people to get outdoors, enjoy our beautiful shoreline, and make exercise part of their daily lives, all at no cost." Mayor Juan González, City of San Leandro

Recognized by Alameda County

Celine Hwang, District Director for Alameda County Supervisor Lena Tam, presented a formal certificate of recognition at the ceremony on behalf of Supervisor Tam. The certificate honored the city's commitment to advancing public health, recreation, and community well-being, and acknowledged the role of both the National Fitness Campaign and the Rotary Club of San Leandro in making free, high-quality fitness accessible to residents of all abilities. It also named the project as aligned with Alameda County Vision 2036, the county's long-term framework for building a healthier, more inclusive, and thriving future. The certificate was signed by Supervisor Lena Tam, October 10, 2026.

What this means for California

San Leandro's launch arrives at a moment when California's Fitness Court network is one of the largest and most diverse in the country. More than 60 partner communities and campuses are now part of the network, with 69 Fitness Courts currently open and 16 more in development. Eleven of those partners are education institutions, including California State University Fresno, Yuba College, and Madera Community College. Cities including San Francisco, Chula Vista, Culver City, Daly City, Manhattan Beach, Escondido, and Alhambra have all invested in free outdoor fitness infrastructure for their residents.

San Leandro adds something specific to that network: a model for what civic organization partnership looks like alongside municipal investment. The Rotary Club's centennial commitment demonstrates that the path to a Fitness Court does not always run through a health plan or a government grant alone. Sometimes it runs through a group of neighbors who decided their community park deserved something better, and backed that belief with action across 100 years of service.

The Fitness Court at Marina Park is open now, free for anyone to use. Scan the QR code on site to access guided workouts through the Fitness Court app and move through all seven stations at your own pace.

Explore open Fitness Court locations across California on the NFC interactive map, or visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/california to learn more about the campaign across the state.