New fitness courts officially open for use at Graham Park
CRANBERRY TWP — Tuesday, Aug. 4, marked the official completion of the 2026 Cranberry Township Community Chest Project of the Year: a new outdoor fitness court at UPMC Passavant Sportsplex at Graham Park.
Near the park’s soccer fields, township officials and Cranberry Foundation representatives gathered at 4 p.m. for the ribbon cutting to commemorate the court’s official opening.
The latest community amenity is a venture from the National Fitness Campaign (NFC), a wellness consulting firm which aims to build more than 5,000 outdoor gyms by 2030.
NFC contributed $30,000 in grant funds toward the project, which was also partly backed by the Cranberry Foundation — close to 150 individual donors pitched in — and funds raised at this year’s Cranberry Summer Nights event, said Amy Smith, executive director of the foundation.
Jerry Andree, former township manager and president of the Cranberry Foundation, said the fitness court highlights the value of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“Today’s celebration is a reflection of what is possible when a community comes together with a shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Cranberry,” said Smith.
The fitness court is a 38-foot-square space featuring 118 workout elements which can accommodate up to 28 users at once.
According to Smith, the fitness court at Graham Park is NFC’s first dual-sided court in Western Pennsylvania region, which she said she takes pride in. One side is the fitness equipment side and the other side is the studio side.
The system on the equipment side is designed for seven types of exercises: core, squat, push, lunge, pull, agility and bend.
The wall separating the two sides of the court features a QR code which takes users to an app with thousands of bodyweight exercises and guided programming. The app can also be used to log physical activities on the court.
Smith said the dual-court style is NFC’s latest model and offers additional programming opportunities, such as fitness classes, activity space and up-to-date exercise equipment.
The township’s parks and recreation department is working on programming activities like Pilates and yoga, she said.
“Typically, we contract with certified instructors to provide those classes and it will include both sides of the court,” said Smith.
Bruce Hezlep said the fitness court, which is inclusive of varying fitness levels, is the newest resource for township residents older than 14 years of age.
“I think everybody here qualifies for that,” Hezlep quipped.
He added the court can be a fun and valuable pit stop for both someone starting on a fitness journey or someone taking a simple stroll through the park.
The fitness court is a major step toward expanding health and wellness initiatives in Cranberry, which Smith said is a priority for the Cranberry Foundation.
Hezlep said the broader vision for an outdoor fitness court started a few years before the acquisition of the land from the Graham family in 2009.
In 2024, Smith said township officials realized the fitness court that had been in place at Graham Park was aging.
“It was a well-used space, so we decided to start with this one in terms of the replacement,” she added.
Fundraising efforts began early in 2025. At the time, Dan Santoro, township manager, had said the total cost of the project was estimated to be $350,000.
Smith said the park unofficially opened up the fitness court for use a week ago.
“People are just starting to get accustomed to it,” she said.
Since the township’s acquisition of Graham Park, it has become one of the destinations of note for residents of Cranberry as well as visitors from surrounding communities, Hezlep said.
Hezlep added one of the biggest reasons families move to Cranberry is the access to parks and recreation.
He voiced his disagreement with the notion that growth in Cranberry has led to the township losing its “neighborly concept,” pointing to the fitness court as a good spot to connect with folks next door.
Andree said the township had always visualized the fitness court as more than just a place to exercise.
“I am often asked, ‘Why is Cranberry such a thriving and welcoming place?’ My response is, ‘The priority this community places on investing in quality public spaces that encourage public gatherings of all sorts,’” he said.
“Spaces like this help our residents stay active and connected with one another,” he added.
