Newsroom | 2026 News Releases

State-of-the-Art Outdoor Fitness Court^® Coming to the Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library District

LYNWOOD, Illinois — Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library District,  Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, and National Fitness Campaign today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court and digital wellness programming to the Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library District. The Fitness Court, located at 19901 Stoney Island Ave., Lynwood, IL 60411, will open Oct. 9 at 10:00 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

This Fitness Court was developed by Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library District, BCBSIL, 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 years and older, 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. Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library District is one of  more than 30 Campaign Partners building a network of Fitness Courts across the state, with the help of BCBSIL.

“The Library Board and staff are thrilled to offer the Fitness Court & Studio as we continue to think beyond the traditional library and find innovative ways to serve our communities. We are proud to be the first public library in the United States to offer this unique amenity and hope it inspires other libraries to reimagine what the library of the future can be as a destination for learning, wellness, recreation, and community connection,” said Brian Vagt, Library Director, Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library District.

“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. “BCBSIL 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 Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library District 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 Glenwood & Lynwood communities.”

Residents are invited to attend the launch event at the Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library District at 10:00 a.m. to try the Fitness Court. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/glpld19901/ or contact Brian Vagt, Library Director, at 708-758-0090.  For more information on BCBSIL’s support of National Fitness Campaign, please visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/Illinois. 

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About Glenwood Public Library District
The Glenwood Public Library District began in 1974 through the efforts of a library committee and the Suburban Library System. In September 1974, the library opened in a shopping center storefront at 301 Glenwood–Lansing Road. In February 1975, successful referendum was incorporating Lynwood into the library district, more than doubling the size of the district. The library’s name was changed to reflect the inclusion of both villages in the library district.  In 1984 the library moved across the street from the shopping center into a Porta-Structure. 

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the largest health insurer in Illinois, serving nine 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.

About National Fitness Campaign
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign 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 2026, 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. 

Media Contacts

Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library District
Brian Vagt
vagtb@glplgd.org
708-758-0090

BCBSIL
Tamara Gibson
media@bcbsil.com

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