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State-of-the-Art Outdoor Fitness Court^® Coming to Kankakee, IL.

KANKAKEE, Illinois — Kankakee School District 111, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court and digital wellness programming to Kankakee School District 111. The Fitness Court, located behind Kankakee High School, will open Oct. 16 at 4:30 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

This Fitness Court was developed by Kankakee School District 111, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, and NFC to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities across the region. The Fitness Court is the world’s best outdoor gym that lets users leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations.

Created for adults of all abilities aged 14+, the Fitness Court workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users also may download the free Fitness Court App which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience. Kankakee School District 111 is one of 20 Campaign Partners building a network of Fitness Courts across the state, with the help of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.

“We are excited about this partnership and the opportunity to open a Fitness Court near the new Community Center, providing our community with an additional resource for wellness and activity,” said Ronnie Wilcox, Athletic Director of Kankakee School District 111.

“Regular exercise is essential to maintaining personal health and reducing health care costs,” said Katie Cangemi, senior program officer of community investment, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. “Blue Cross is committed to promoting better health in our communities, and this Fitness Court makes it easy for anyone at any fitness level to get a good outdoor workout, connect with neighbors, and stay healthy.”

“We are excited to have Kankakee School District 111 join us in the journey to improve health and wellness as we work to make a powerful and long lasting impact on health outcomes and happiness by building healthy communities across America,’’ said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. “The addition of the outdoor Fitness Court, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the Kankakee, IL community.”

Residents are invited to attend the launch event on October 16th at 4:30 PM to try the Fitness Court® which is located behind Kankakee High School, 1200 W Jeffery St., Kankakee, IL 60901. For more information, contact Rebecca Parks at 815-802-7705.  For more information on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois’ support of the National Fitness Campaign, please visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/illinois. 

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About Kankakee School District 111
Kankakee School District 111 is a public school district in Kankakee, Illinois, serving more than 4,300 students across 11 sites, including a Transition Program for students with disabilities ages 18–22. With schools spanning from pre-kindergarten through high school, the district provides a comprehensive educational experience that challenges students academically, supports their social and emotional growth, and prepares them for future success. Guided by its mission to increase student achievement and develop globally productive citizens, Kankakee School District 111 is committed to equity, academic excellence, and opportunity for all. At the heart of its work is the belief that hope starts here—with students, staff, and families. The district values diversity as a strength and fosters inclusive learning environments where every child feels seen, heard, and supported. Through innovative programs, high-quality instruction, and strong community partnerships, Kankakee School District 111 empowers students to realize their fullest potential and become engaged citizens who contribute positively to their community and beyond. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the largest health insurer in Illinois, serving 9 million members and operating in all 102 Illinois counties. BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About National Fitness Campaign
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign (NFC) is a wellness consulting firm that provides programs and services to cities, schools and sponsors. Our mission is to build healthy communities nationwide. The campaign delivers an integrated wellness initiative, centered around the Fitness Court® — the world's best outdoor gym. National Fitness Campaign is preparing to welcome its 750th healthy community in 2025, as it continues to grow the country’s largest public-private partnership in support of wellness with the goal of building a Fitness Court® within a 10-minute bike ride of every American.  Learn more about National Fitness Campaign at nationalfitnesscampaign.com and follow along on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts

Kankakee School District 111
Rebecca Parks
815-802-7705
rebecca-parks@ksd111.org

BCBSIL
Parris Kane-Ariola
Email Parris 

NFC
Sarah Morgan
831-601-2438
sarah@nfchq.com