Kutztown University Awarded $50,000 from T-Mobile Hometown Grants for Keith Haring Fitness Park

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – (May 12, 2022) – Kutztown University received $50,000 from the T-Mobile’s  Hometown Grant Initiative to support the Keith Haring Fitness Park.  This world-class, one-of-a-kind park is the result of a partnership with the university and Kutztown Community Partnership.

Representatives from T-Mobile visited KU’s campus for a check presentation on May 5, 2022, spending time with members of the KU community to celebrate this collaboration. 

T-Mobile’s Hometown Grants program is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow by providing funding to kickstart important new community development projects. Hometown Grants are given every quarter to up to 25 small towns.

“T-Mobile loves to invest in small and rural towns across the country and we continually strive to support what local communities care about,” said Joe Giannone, Senior Manager, SMRA Sales. “Here at Kutztown University, T-Mobile is grateful for the opportunity to present a $50,000 Hometown Grant, which will be used in support of the new Keith Haring Fitness Court. This is extremely fitting as Keith was an internationally recognized Kutztown local. This space will be open to the community and offer a great homage to the local culture of the area with fitness in mind.”

Located on KU’s campus, at the corner of Baldy Street and Normal Avenue, the Keith Haring Fitness Collection is a limited edition, outdoor, public art collaboration with the Keith Haring Foundation in New York and Outdoor Fitness Court and the National Fitness Campaign (NFC).

The fitness court will feature a 32’x35′ outdoor bodyweight circuit training system with30 pieces of body-weight fitness elements, including seven full-body circuit training stations and a body-weight training wall.  The park will be located on KU’s campus, at the corner of Blady Street and Normal Avenie, and is set to be ready in the fall of 2022.  Haring’s art will be incorporated into every element.

“I want to thank T-Mobile for their generous donation to help bring this park to Kutztown University, ensuring Haring’s legacy is a prominent part of our campus community,” said Kayla Sherry ’23, Student Body President.  

Haring was a legendary activist and artist who revolutionized pop art through his graffiti-like pieces full of abstract lines and colorful flairs. His 1980s illustrations grew out of the New York street culture and has become a widely recognized visual language to many.

“We are proud and excited that Keith Haring’s hometown of Kutztown was one of 10 nationally chosen sites for the Keith Haring Outdoor Fitness Court,” said Sandy Green,  “With the assistance of the T-Mobile Hometown Grant, Kutztown University and Kutztown Community Partnership will be able to accelerate the timeline for this project. We are thrilled and excited that T-Mobile recognized our commitment to helping our area citizens and college students stay active at every age and stage of life. We believe this fitness court will provide a unique opportunity for the local community to have more access to achieve that goal.”

The cost of bringing this project to campus is $200,000 plus maintenance costs. The KU Foundation is actively raising funds and accepting inquiries for sponsorships. There are different sponsorship levels; the title sponsor will have their name placed below Keith Haring’s signature in the fitness park. Support the project at https://give.classy.org/fitnesscourt.