NORTH BERGEN, N.J. — The North Bergen Housing Authority held a ribbon-cutting Friday, in commemoration of October being Housing America Month, to celebrate the new outdoor exercise gym in Meadowview Village.
Located near the children’s playground on Meadowview Avenue, the gym, which is geared toward adult-use, contains eight pieces of outdoor exercise equipment that can accommodate up to 12 individuals at once. The $20,000 cost of the project was the result of a grant secured by North Bergen Board of Health.
“Janet Castro, from the Health Department, approached me about a year ago and asked if I would be interested in having this installed in the park at Meadowview Village,” said NBHA Executive Director Gerald Sanzari. “I am familiar with this equipment as it is essentially the same equipment that currently exists in Bruin Stadium, so, of course I jumped at the opportunity to provide another place for the public and the adult residents of Meadowview Village to enjoy. Mayor Sacco, Commissioner Hugo Cabrera, Janet Castro and I all feel the location is ideal because it promotes healthy living and fitness in a neighborhood where many residents would not otherwise have affordable access to a gym.”
The 178 apartments in the Meadowview Village building house approximately 250 tenants. The gym will be open daily from dawn to dusk.
“This is a great location as it’s situated near many residences, senior housing, schools and public transportation,” said North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco. “Another benefit is being right next to the playground, so parents and caregivers will be able utilize the fitness equipment while keeping a close eye on their children in the playground just a few feet away.”
Castro explained the second component of this grant will be met this fall through the creation of monthly Farmers Markets which will be held in the same neighborhood.
“Additionally, residents will be provided with educational resources regarding disease prevention, use of equipment, nutritious recipes and more through the creation of a monthly newsletter,” Castro said. “Combined, these two factors – exercise and good nutrition – will foster positive lifestyle changes and greatly improve health outcomes in our community.”
NBHA provides comfortable and affordable housing in a safe, stable and secure living environment for low-income, senior or disabled residents. The NBHA aligns its philosophy with that of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all and to build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination.
