Fitness enthusiasts may attend outdoor classes at the city’s various parks and fields now that Mayor Ravi Bhalla has signed an executive order permitting fitness clubs to use the outdoor space for socially distanced outdoor workouts.
The executive order, signed on May 27, is in anticipation of reduced capacity and limitations within certain gymnasiums and fitness centers as businesses begin to reopen having closed in March due to COVID-19.
The city encourages fitness clubs to use outdoor space as much as practically possible for workouts given recommendations from the CDC.
Owners or managers of fitness centers with a license to operate in the City of Hoboken can now apply to host outdoor classes of up to 15 people, with strict social distancing guidelines of at least six feet between each participant at all times.
Safer outside
“Our gyms and fitness clubs have been hard hit during COVID-19,” Bhalla said. “We recognize the major challenges faced during a gradual reopening with indoor facilities not always having the room for social distancing or capability to reduce capacity. Allocating space for outdoor classes provides an added option for safe and socially distanced workouts that makes the best possible use of our public space.”
Owners or managers of current Hoboken gyms or fitness clubs may apply to use outdoor space in certain city fields and parks by visiting http://www.hobokennj.gov/outdoorfitness.
Each application will be reviewed by city staff on a case by case basis, with additional information requested including class sizes, current indoor capacity, types of workouts requested outdoors, and more.
According to city spokesperson Vijay Chaudhuri, in most cases the city will provide the outdoor space without charging the gym to use it, but “each application will be judged on a case by case basis.”
Gyms and fitness clubs are permitted to charge participants the fair market value they would normally charge for indoor classes.
Certain activities may be restricted given the requested location of outdoor space, and priority will be given for morning hours when fields and parks are not as heavily used by the public.
The mayor’s executive order also permits gymnasiums and fitness clubs to use outdoor parking lots for socially distanced workouts with the permission of the respective property owners.
“We think allowing businesses to utilize public space to host outdoor fitness classes is an excellent first step toward reopening while also promoting public health and well-being,” said owner of the Hudson Yoga Project Patrick Franco. “Addiction, depression, and other mental health issues have all been proven to be reduced with physical activity. Through this initial role-out, the Hudson Yoga Project can provide a road map of how safe and responsible interactions can be sustained within the fitness community.”
These fitness clubs can apply to host their classes at the Church Square Park basketball court, Elysian Park basketball court, Multi-Service Center rink, 14th Street Viaduct soccer pitch, City Hall Plaza, 7th and Jackson plaza and lawn, Sinatra Park amphitheater, 1600 Turf Field and concrete area, the Maxwell Park pier and lawn, the Southwest Park, Mama Johnson field, Sinatra Park field, Stevens Park little league field, Church Square Park turf lawn, and Pier A.
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