Residents of two Chicago-area communities recently gained access to free exercise spaces to help them become more active and improve their health.
Collaborating with National Fitness Campaign, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois partnered with the city of Woodstock and village of Richton Park to construct outdoor Fitness Courts® for use by residents at least 14 years old, no matter their fitness level. The courts opened in Woodstock’s Emricson Park and Pierce Park in Richton Park.
In 2022, BCBSIL and NFC teamed to bring 20 outdoor Fitness Courts® to communities across the state, first opening courts in Aurora and Riverdale. The initiative provides free exercise in public spaces and include structures for people of all ability levels.
“We’re excited to provide the Woodstock community with a welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities can play, exercise and connect,” says Mark Pentecost, the city’s parks and recreation director. “The Fitness Court reflects our dedication to creating accessible opportunities that support health and well-being for everyone.”
Rick Reinbold, president of the Village of Richton Park, agrees.
“This is an excellent opportunity to connect and engage the residents of Richton Park, all while promoting a fun, active and healthier lifestyle,” he says. “We are extremely grateful to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and NFC for assisting us in kick-starting this initiative and being able to bring such a valued amenity to the village.”
Another Fitness Court will open this summer in Kewanee near the Illinois-Iowa state line. It will feature work by Kewanee artist and former Kewanee School District art educator Susan Blake as part of NFC’s effort to include public art in its projects. Blake’s work will be called “The Enduring Spirit of Nature and Color.”
“The overwhelmingly positive reaction to the launch of these Fitness Courts is evidence that a community-focused approach can be very powerful,” says BCBSIL President Brian Snell. “Our work with NFC is just one way we aim to help build mental and physical health throughout the state.”
As the lead NFC sponsor in Illinois, BCBSIL encourages applications from municipalities, schools and organizations statewide to bring a Fitness Court to their community. Grants are available from NFC’s National Sponsors and BCBSIL to support qualified applicants, who also will contribute if selected for the program.
“Regular exercise is essential to maintaining personal health and reducing health care costs,” says Katie Cangemi, BCBSIL’s senior program officer of community investment. “Blue Cross is committed to promoting better health in our communities, and these Fitness Courts make it easy for anyone at any fitness level to get a good outdoor workout, connect with neighbors and stay healthy.”
Guided by a smartphone app, people using the Fitness Court four times a week over three months may lower their resting heart rate up to 8%, according to the NFC.
“This program will deliver tremendous resources to contribute to the important mission of improving health outcomes as the network of Fitness Courts grows across the state and joins hundreds of participating communities nationwide,” says NFC Founder Mitch Menaged.
