BERNE — Berne-Knox-Westerlo athletes put to use the new Fitness Court equipment in Berne’s town park as soon as the ribbon was cut on Tuesday morning.

Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy said the county’s Innovation Partnership with MVP paid $195,500 for the court while the county paid an additional $50,000 in labor, equipment, and materials to construct the court.

In November 2021, when Albany County awarded naming rights for its arena to MVP Health Care, originally Mohawk Valley Physicians Health Plan, the contract included an annual $1.4 million over five years for the Innovation Fund that is to support community projects like the fitness facility.

The National Fitness Campaign, a for-profit wellness consulting firm supported by a consortium of health insurance companies, including MVP, has a goal of building 5,000 outdoor fitness courts across the nation by 2030.

The first one in New York state was installed in Guilderland’s Tawasentha Park in May 2023. There are now over 30 statewide.

The fitness court in Guilderland, McCoy said at that 2023 press conference in Tawasentha Park, would be the “catalyst that will launch all of the other ones.”

McCoy said in Berne on Tuesday, “One thing we learned from COVID, the disadvantaged neighborhoods that have health inequities, the food insecurity, and I could go on and on …. So part of this fund is to get back into the community and to really engage in a way for healthier lifestyles.”

“At MVP, we believe health care goes beyond the doctor’s office,” said MVP Health Care’s Vice President of Sales Everett Patterson before the ribbon was cut. “It’s about creating opportunities for people to live healthier lives right in our own communities.

“The Fitness Court is a perfect example of that commitment. It’s free, it’s accessible, and it’s designed for everyone regardless of age and fitness.”

The court is designed for anyone 14 or older to use the equipment at their own pace. Users also may download the free Fitness Court App, which the company says “acts as a coach-in-your-pocket.”

Patterson concluded his remarks, “When we prioritize health and connection, we strengthen the fabric of our communities. Whether you’re here to get active, spend time with your neighbors, or simply enjoy the outdoors, this space is for you.”

Joanne Cunningham, who chairs the county legislature, said on her drive up to the Helderbergs from Bethlehem where she lives, she was “reminded how vast Albany County is and how stunningly beautiful it is.”

She also said, “It’s great to see young people here, you know, moving your body, getting outside … Those are not just healthy behaviors for your physical health; they’re also great mental-health boosters.”

As he prepared to introduce Hilltown county legislator Chris Smith, McCoy said, “I find all the time I spend up in Berne, Knox, Westerlo with Scott [Duncan, the county’s deputy commissioner of public works, currently running for Berne councilman] and other people up here doing extraordinary stuff, they don’t say much.”

Smith said simply, “I’m glad this is in my community, that’s all.”

Berne Supervisor Dennis Palow said, “I’m going to keep this short. I lost my vice at the Ryder Cup this past weekend. I was cheering on USA but they fell short. But two more years, hopefully they will win the cup.”

Palow thanked McCoy; Smith; the DPW commissioner, Lisa Ramundo, and deputy commissioner, Duncan; the town clerk, Kristin De Oliveira; Mary-Claire Ansboro, who chairs the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board; and Deputy Supervisor Thomas Doolin. He cited “hard work” done by many of them.

McCoy concluded the speeches before the ribbon was cut by saying, “I encourage all of you to make this a Fitness Court of your own, bring a friend, bring your family, take advantage of this incredible resource in the space outside to get healthier, fresh air, and to enjoy it.”