RWJ Rahway Fitness & Wellness Center at Carteret opens

All construction has been completed, with current parking and streetscape additions also complete.

RWJ Rahway was named the operator of the Borough’s long-awaited health center in January 2011, chosen through a competitive review and selection process. Mayor Reiman has stated that their proposal best fit the vision and objectives of his administration and the needs of the community.

“By local standards this has been a project of great proportion,”  Mayor Reiman said. “It’s incredible when an improvement project represents so many extraordinary partnerships – so many ideas and interests coming together through the teamwork of enthusiastic individuals and organizations, that have lent their skills to make it possible.”

Construction on the “health and wellness center” project first broke ground in 2009. Plans for the 44,000 square foot facility have evolved since its original conception, and now include a 7,000 sq. ft. aquatics center that includes a junior Olympic sized swimming pool and therapy pools. According to borough officials, the aquatics center, along with the facility’s many other amenities will be tailored to meet a wide variety of health, fitness, and recreational needs, and will allow for programs and services that benefit every age group.

The center features cardiovascular and weight rooms, aerobics studios, a multi-purpose sports room, physical therapy facilities, a daycare center, and a health food café.

Mayor Reiman said, “We have envisioned a state-of-the-art facility that goes beyond standard fitness. We’re after a comprehensive range of resources that will encompass professional rehabilitative services and a progressive approach to ‘wellness.’ Robert Wood Johnson clearly fit the mold.”

According to contract, “Fitness & Wellness of Carteret, LLC,” a new private entity established under the Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center of Rahway, has entered into a 20-year lease with with 4 (5 year) extensions.

“This is one of many unique public-private partnerships that have been established over the course of this administration,” Mayor Reiman added, “whereby private enterprise has been fostered in exchange for benefits directly seen by the community. We expect the ‘Robert Wood Johnson Fitness and Wellness Center at Carteret’ to be the hub of some tangible growth in the Borough, and the source of healthier living for residents throughout the region.”

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway is an acute care hospital serving Union and Middlesex counties, providing 24 hour emergency services, cardiac care, hematology-oncology services, critical care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery. The hospital has gained renown for its rehabilitation services, which include physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, speech and swallowing therapies. The hospital is home to Care Connection, a sub-acute unit that uses extensive rehabilitation services to ease the transition from acute care hospitalization to home.

The hospital provides full diagnostic and laboratory services. It also offers extensive outpatient services, including wound care, balance testing and treatment, imaging, sleep care and pain management. The hospital’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are consistently praised by participants for their ability to motivate, build strength, stamina and improve quality of life.

“Of the many triumphs manifested in this project has been the funding,” Councilwoman Susan Naples said. “We’ve gone to great lengths to get grants, endowments, and other external funding sources that have allowed us to build at no cost to our local taxpayers.”

“With no debt incurred and no burden on our local budget this has been a win-win for Carteret,” Councilman Vinnie Bellino added. “And with state-of-the-art provisions for health and fitness, this project is something for area residents to truly be proud of.”

For more information, visit http://www.rwjfitnesscarteret.com