Overpriced gym memberships, binding membership contracts, crowded classes, and expensive equipment are now a thing of the past. Edison’s newest fitness court effectively breaks down barriers to exercise, ensuring that everyone is able to get in a healthier state of mind and body.

On October 28, Edison Township School District unveiled a brand-new fitness and wellness court at Edison High School, making it the first high school in New Jersey to have a fitness court on its campus and the tenth established through the help of one of its corporate sponsors—health insurance company Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield (HBCBS). This project marks a major step in the district’s efforts to promote mental well-being, healthy living, and physical activity among students, staff, and the EHS community. In Edison, a second facility is set to open at J.P. Stevens in November.

“It was locally funded through our school budget,” said Superintendent Dr. Edward Aldarelli, “but we also received a grant of roughly $167,000, cumulative from the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) and Horizon.”

During physical education classes, the court will be another “station” that students can choose to visit. Outside of school hours, it is intended to provide proper space for residents to develop physical fitness habits at their own speed.

“I think it’s a really good investment, as we are going to have a lot of fun on it, and especially during phys-ed. We get to do more,” said cheerleader Guliana Galtes ‘27.

The facility is meant to be self-directed. While there is no requirement or time limit when using the equipment, individuals are encouraged to rotate through as many of the seven zones—Core, Push, Squat, Lunge, Pull, Agility, and Bend—as they can, to work on distinct areas of their body. Additionally, QR codes direct users to guided workouts that allow individuals of all levels to find what suits them.

“I think it’s an absolutely wonderful opportunity for not only the students but for the community of Edison,” said Physical Education teacher Mr. Robert Roma. “There are a lot of things out there that they can do that use their body and strength without having free weights. I think it’s just a great experience for the kids to be able to have a full body workout without having to have a gym membership.”

Aldarelli hopes the investment will benefit individuals in the township.

“I think the staff should be using this, the superintendent, and everybody,” the superintendent said, echoing the mission of the district to diversify the opportunities available. This is a step closer to achieving Vision 2030, the school district’s plan to create a more diverse and supportive environment for its students.

For principal Mr. Charles Ross, giving back to the community was the main goal of the facility. It was an opportunity to connect the school with the people of Edison and give them all an opportunity to exercise.

“One of the things about EHS is it almost never closes,” said Ross. “There are always people here. This is an opportunity to tie to the community, along with Horizon Blue Cross, giving us some of the money for this, and National Fitness Courts. It allows us to connect with the community in that way and provide more ways that students and their families can stay healthy.”

Throughout the student body, there have been positive sentiments expressed about the courts.

“It shows that we are very involved in our community,” said cheerleader Brooklyn Torres ‘27.

Other student athletes have also expressed the advantages of the facility. Galtes, Torres’ teammate, noted that the court could provide more space for the squad’s practices, especially over the summer. She was not the only athlete who saw the positives.

“The agility section would be beneficial when it comes to moving around or doing anything,” said varsity tennis player Nandini Chandra ‘26.

HBCBS representative Richard Burton ‘82, an EHS alum, and account manager Anna Acasella have also expressed their appreciation for the facility and its design choices.

“This is our tenth one we’re opening this year, and this, by far, is the most attractive. The fact that you have your school colors, it’s fantastic. It’s very impressive,” said Burton.

Now that it has been inaugurated, the facility is officially open for all members of the Edison community to enjoy. During school hours, the space is reserved strictly for the students of EHS, but afterward, it is open to all.