Manchester Accepts Donation Of Senior Fitness Equipment

MANCHESTER, NJ — Senior residents of Manchester Township will be encouraged to get out and take advantage of fitness equipment designed just for them that has been donated to the township.

The donation of a senior motion wellness system by Pfizer and Wakefern Food Corporation was accepted by the Township Council recently. It will be installed at Harry Wright Lake.

Representatives said the equipment ties into an initiative to encourage seniors to eat well, socialize, and challenge their minds, the township said in a news release on the donation.

“It’s going to be a great benefit to the town,” said Al Yodakis, the township's public works director, who worked with representatives from Pfizer and Wakefern to select a location for the equipment. It will be installed beyond the band shell and adjacent to the outdoor fitness center and walking trail at Harry Wright Lake, officials said.

The entire process of manufacturing to installation is expected to take approximately six weeks.

Manchester is the first town to receive donation of the wellness system, and officials said Pfizer and Wakefern chose the township specifically because of its senior population.

The equipment will serve as a neighborhood destination where senior residents can meet, exercise, and connect with one another, officials said. In addition to the exercise center, benches are planned at the site.

“On behalf of the council, I’d like to thank Pfizer and Wakefern for their generous contribution to Manchester Township,” Council President James A. Vaccaro said. Mayor Kenneth Palmer also offered his appreciation to the companies for their donation.

"The Township Council is committed to keeping costs down and creating opportunities for our senior population with no impact to the taxpayers, and is thankful for the assistance of our neighboring businesses in a spirit of mutual cooperation,” officials said.

Photos provided by Manchester Township