25 and sport management classes, designing and incorporating numerous and varying exercise programs with his students. “The data that can be gained from this communal court is also a wonderful instructional resource for managing fitness related interest,” Crider explained. When put under this lens, the Court functions as more than just a diverse exercising tool; it’s also a way to gain a better understanding of human habits surrounding fitness and health. “It is a perfect example of a working model,” Crider expressed enthusiastically and both he and Sport Management Professor, Michelle Vaugh, have already begun to incorporate the Court into their class curriculums. This facility also creates potential for student internships and ongoing research projects over the summer break, which may lead to additional grant initiatives. Morgan Hurd, student representative of the Fitness Court, said that this semester she worked to bring awareness of the Court’s existence to the student body and the greater Kutztown Community. “I was really excited to be given the opportunity to be part of this project,” she said, when Crider asked if she would be the student spokesperson. As a senior sport management major with a minor in fitness administration, Hurd remarked on how effective this court would have been in some of her classes if already erected. “The Court is a great place to host events and fitness classes,” she said enthusiastically with future students in mind, and “a perfect visual demonstration tool” for many of the fitness administration classes. The Ribbon Cutting Event was held on October twenty-first and consisted of Haring’s family members, KU representatives, including the Sport Management Department, and town representatives. Hurd’s entire lacrosse team came to support their teammate as well. “At first, I was nervous when addressing the crowd at the Ribbon Cutting Event,'' Hurd explained, “but with my team there, I relaxed because it felt like I was talking to them. It felt really good having them there to support," Hurd conveyed. When addressing the fusing of Haring’s art with fitness, Hurd said, “the Court is something that brings together a lot of bright colors, energy, and movement. Seeing this combination cultivates positive energy as you’re working out, and it is open to the Kutztown Community, not just for athletes," she added. The (32’x35’) court consists of “seven full-body circuit training stations and a bodyweight training wall” that is open to everyone in the community over fourteen years of age. When looking at the court, with your back towards the road, the right-side panel contains a QR code that guests can scan with their phone to download the Fitness Court App. The App will be programmed to provide a range of easy, medium, and hard workouts for varying demographics. “There is much more to access, learn, and develop through the utilization of this fitness project and we're excited to see how it progresses,” Crider emphasized. On May the fourth of 2023, the Sport Management Department is planning a fitness event in honor of Haring’s birthday. Stay tuned for the upcoming event, and when you’re traveling down Normal Avenue, be sure to check out the Court and give it a try. Members of the KU community, campus, and Keith Haring's family participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Aerial view of the new fitness court.
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