AARP Makes Long-term Investment in Perth Amboy’s Health with New AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park

AARP Makes Long-term Investment in Perth Amboy’s Health with New AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (September 15, 2021) — AARP New Jersey and the City of Perth Amboy are pleased to open an AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park in Perth Amboy, a long-term investment in the health of residents.

“Health and wellbeing are central to our lives. AARP is proud to provide this vibrant, accessible AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park to the local community in Perth Amboy,” said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. “Support for healthy aging has been a priority for AARP since our founding more than 60 years ago. AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Parks also help bring communities together in safe and healthy ways, which is particularly important as we navigate new phases of staying active during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

A growing number of studies link exercise not only to cardiovascular health and an increased life span, but also to lower rates of depression, dementia and other issues.  

By the end of 2021, AARP plans to sponsor a fitness park in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to commemorate the organization’s 60^th anniversary in 2019. The fitness parks have been designed and built to serve communities for a decade or more. The first AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park opened in St. Petersburg, Fla., in April 2019. AARP is working with FitLot, a 501c3 organization dedicated to helping communities find the resources they need to plan and build outdoor fitness parks. Each park includes FitLot^TM exercise equipment and comes with programming designed to meet a wide range of fitness levels and abilities. FitLot’s programming includes protocols and instruction on how to safely operate the equipment, even as the nation copes with the pandemic. The fitness parks should only be used when permitted by local authorities in compliance with CDC guidance.

“AARP New Jersey is committed to Perth Amboy and ensuring there are opportunities for residents to live healthy, active lives,” said AARP New Jersey State Director Stephanie Hunsinger. “A livable community includes spaces that create a sense of community and belonging. The AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park is a place where residents of all ages can exercise and stay healthy, while also staying connected.”

“I cannot be more proud to team up with AARP,” said Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba. “Together we are investing in the future of a city’s health one neighborhood at a time. This outdoor fitness park allows our residents to enjoy the benefits of a more active lifestyle. Thank you.”

Consult with your doctor prior to beginning any new exercise regimen. AARP also has tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on visiting an open recreational facility:

• Bring sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to wipe down the equipment before and after you use it;
• Keep your distance (6 feet) from anyone who is not in your household;
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use sanitizer after using the equipment, going to the bathroom and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing;
• And stay home if you are sick with, tested positive for COVID-19, or were recently (within 14 days) exposed to COVID-19.

For a list of open AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Parks, visit:

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About AARP
 AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.