SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Monday to unveil brand-new fitness equipment for the North End Senior Center.

The North End Senior Center received over $25,000 worth of new state-of-the-art exercise equipment on Monday, according to a news release sent to 22News from the City of Springfield. The new equipment included a Chest Press, Leg Press, Shoulder Press, Abdominal/Back Extension, Rower, Recumbent Seat Stepper, and Dual Adjustable Pulley.

“This is what community is all about. We’re working all together, making this team in order to move the city forward,” said Ward 1 City Councilor Maria Perez.

Mayor Domenic Sarno states, “I want to thank Councilor Maria Perez for working with HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and Elder Affairs Director Sandy Federico and getting our seniors in the North End Senior Center this much-needed state-of-the-art exercise equipment.  Our seniors will now be able to utilize and enjoy this brand-new equipment to stay healthy and physically fit.  I am sure they are going to thoroughly enjoy it.  I am also looking forward to visiting with the seniors there and seeing firsthand how strong their dancing has gotten with these new exercises equipment.”

Councilor Perez said, “I want to thank Mayor Sarno and his administration for always caring for and thinking of our seniors.  I have been a strong advocate for our community, especially our seniors.  This is the culmination of a promise from when we reopened the Senior Center last year.  Now, working with Mayor Sarno, we have kept our promise and have delivered brand new state-of-the-art exercise equipment for our seniors to use to stay healthy.”

One by one, as the Springfield senior centers began reopening after the painful pandemic hiatus, plans were put in motion to secure funding for these senior citizens.

“Coming off COVID, the isolation that occurred and now being back together, to comradery, to work out, and I’m very excited,” said Sarno.