Newsroom | 2026 News Releases
Channahon Park District, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and National Fitness Campaign Provide Free Fitness for Everyone in Channahon
July 30, 2026
CHANNAHON, Illinois — Channahon Park District, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and National Fitness Campaign announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court and digital wellness programming to Channahon. The Fitness Court, 24856 W. Eames St., Channahon, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony 4 p.m. Aug. 6.
The park district, BCBSIL and NFC developed the Fitness Court to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise across the region. The Fitness Court is the world’s best outdoor gym where people use their body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations.
Created for those at least 14 years old of all abilities, 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, a coach-in-your-pocket that expands the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience. Channahon Park District is among more than 30 campaign partners building a network of BCBSIL-sponsored Fitness Courts across the state. More than 50 Fitness Courts exist statewide.
"We're excited to bring the National Fitness Campaign Outdoor Fitness Court to Channahon because it provides another opportunity for residents of all ages and abilities to stay active, connect with one another and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces. Investing in health and wellness is an investment in our community," said Channahon Park District Board of Commissioners President Christopher Caldwell.
“Regular exercise is essential to maintaining personal health and reducing health care costs,” said Katie Cangemi, BCBSIL community investment senior program officer. “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 the Channahon Park 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 NFC Founder Mitch Menaged. “The addition of the outdoor Fitness Court, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the Channahon community.”
Besides the Fitness Court, the park district will also acknowledge addition of eight pickleball courts, two bocce ball courts and a sand volleyball court adjacent to the Fitness Court.
Community members may attend the event and try the courts. The event will include demonstrations, giveaways and free snow cones. Equipment will be provided. Visit www.ChannahonPark.org or contact the park district at 815-467-7275 for information. Visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/Illinois for information about BCBSIL's support of NFC.
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About Channahon Park District
Established by the community on August 13, 1971, the Channahon Park District is a National Gold Medal Award-winning and Illinois Distinguished Accredited agency. The Park District manages more than 500 acres of parkland, 19 parks, and four facilities, serving a community of more than 16,000 residents. According to a recent community survey, 93% of respondents have a favorable opinion of the Park District.
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
BCBSIL
Tamara Gibson
media@bcbsil.com
CHANNAHON PARK DISTRICT
Jennifer Mensik
jmensik@channahonpark.org
815-467-7275
NFC
Sarah Morgan
sarah@nfchq.com
831-601-2438