On August 6, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano joined with Yonkers rap star Styles P for a celebration of a $250,000 investment in state-of-the-art fitness equipment at City Parks. The new gyms are in support of a new City initiative promoting health and fitness among adults and children.
The new equipment, which includes workout ladders, parallel bars, jump steps and a combination street workout pro. “Public parks are the epicenters of our neighborhoods and by continually investing in them, we are creating healthier options and improving the quality of life for residents to enjoy,” said Mayor Spano. “I am proud to partner with Styles P, who has been a long-time advocate for our community, in encouraging residents’ young and old to be active and enjoy the newest amenities our city has to offer.”
Styles P commented, “It’s important to bring Yonkers, no matter age or background, together. The new fitness areas will provide healthy options and places to exercise at no cost. Families can bond with their kids. Youth and adults can learn from one another and maintain positive relationships through exercise. I’m so proud of the work Mayor Spano and Parks Commissioner Steve Sansone have done to make this happen. We don’t have enough spaces like these, so our goal is to do more in the future.”
The event was at Stefanik Park on Nepperhan Avenue, but the City’s parks department also improved fitness areas at Coyne, Singlak-Keehan, O’Boyle and Barton Parks. Coyne Park, which features senior-friendly workout equipment, such as stationary bike, arm bike, cross trainer, plyometric stepper and a leg station, is expected to open in the coming months
At the event, Styes P was given a Key to the City from Mayor Spano. Styles accepted on behalf of Jadakiss and Sheek Louch, the two other members of the hip hop group The LOX, which formed in 1994 in Yonkers. Styles, Jada and Sheek Louch later shared a video publicly thanking the people of Yonkers and the mayor for honoring them are their many contributions.
“Honored to have the KEY TO THE CITY! Another park with another workout station up and running in the inner city of Yonkers. We have accomplished a lot and have a lot more to accomplish!! But working together we will most certainly get it done. The key to this whole thing is making a Better and brighter future for the youth! They are the true keys to city,” Styles captioned on Instagram.
The parks event was held two days after The LOX appeared at a rap battle at the MSG theater on August 4. The Verzuz showcase “witnessed Jadakiss and The LOX completely annihilating Dipset with mixtape cuts at MSG’s Hulu Theatre. The LOX showed out and showcased their strength as a collective and individual MCs. Following the devastating loss of DMX earlier this year, Styles P, Jadakiss, and Sheek Louch have been wearing the Yonkers flag with pride. It’s now earned them the key to the city.” Wrote Hotnewhiphop.com.
The LOX opened a juice bar in Yonkers in 2011 called Juices for Life, at 211 Nepperhan Avenue.
