National Fitness Campaign | February 2025 Newsletter
National Fitness Campaign2024 Impact Report
As the nation’s largest public-private outdoor wellness partnership, NFC's initiative continues to expand, driving meaningful change in communities across the country. The 2024 Impact Report highlights National Fitness Campaign’s progress in building a healthier America, showcasing the powerful support from over 22 state and regional sponsors, as the Campaign sets its sights on the next major milestone of 1,000 healthy communities.
Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign, emphasizes the campaigns impact, saying,?"Every day is a new day in America, and we want you to see the value we see in socially connected, active, outdoor living, to unlock your best self, by going outside to find a Fitness Court Wellness Hub near you, where you will get energized."?
Read the 2024 Campaign updates and explore this digital report featuring powerful health impact, inspiring stories from our fitness communities across the country, and insights into how NFC is transforming wellness nationwide. See how leading cities, schools, and healthcare partners are shaping the future of public health.
New Jersey's First Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield Fitness Court Opens in Stafford Township
Stafford Township residents gathered in celebration as the community officially launched the outdoor Fitness Court at Nautilus Park—the first?Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Fitness Court to open across the state. With civic leaders, health advocates, and local officials in attendance, the ribbon-cutting event marked another milestone in NFC's mission to provide free access to world-class outdoor fitness opportunities across the country. The campaign continues to grow across New Jersey with over 15 Fitness Courts already open across the state. The growing NFC and Horizon BCBS initiative is driving greater access to equitable outdoor exercise opportunities, reinforcing NFC's commitment to nationwide health and wellness.?
“It’s a wonderful space, and it’s multi-faceted for every age and every ability,” said Stafford Township Recreation Director Jason Hazelton. “This park gets used so much, and this is where much of the population is concentrated. So to add something like this and provide this to the residents, we’re super proud to have this as part of the Stafford Township recreation program offerings.”
Stafford Township Mayor Robert Henken, along with members of the township council, expressed their enthusiasm for partnering with NFC to bring this new fitness amenity to the community.?
“As mayor, I have made a commitment, along with the township council, to create a more inclusive and healthier community. We do that in the decisions we make for the community on a regular basis,” Myhre said. “I look forward to formally opening the Fitness Court to the public and thank NFC and Horizon for making this a reality.”
The launch of this Fitness Court aligns with the New Jersey Mayor Wellness Campaign, a statewide initiative providing evidence-based tools and strategies for mayors and community leaders to improve the overall health of their communities. With over 400 communities participating, NFC is proud to support Stafford Township as it joins this movement for better health and wellness.
2025 Grant Funding & Partnership
In partnership with the nation’s largest healthcare providers, we’re working with municipalities, cities, counties, and schools to build a free?outdoor?Fitness Court network.?
NFC is calling on Mayors, Civic and Education leaders, and Community Champions to join the urgent fight against sedentary lifestyles and preventable diseases. We can make a difference if we work together to increase outdoor movement and provide wellness activities that are equitable, accessible and free! Let’s build a free outdoor Fitness Court within a 10-minute bike ride of every American, together.
Learn more about 2025 Grant Funding and how your community can get involved by clicking on the link below.?
The City of Kimberly and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Bring Free Outdoor Fitness to Kimberly Municipal Park
Kimberly, AL – The City of Kimberly recently celebrated the successful launch of its brand-new Fitness Court, a major milestone in promoting health and wellness for the community. Nestled in northern Jefferson County, Kimberly is a vibrant city with a small-town feel, known for its close-knit community, Southern charm, and family-friendly atmosphere. Established in the early 20th century, Kimberly offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life while remaining conveniently close to Birmingham, just 20 miles to the south. With a steadily growing population, the city continues to balance small-town charm with thoughtful development.
Kimberly Mayor Bob?S. Ellerbrock shared his excitement for the project, “We are so thrilled to have this new state-of-the-art outdoor fitness court designed to inspire healthy living and provide a space where everyone in our community—young and old—can enjoy fitness in a fun, accessible way. The Fitness Court will feature equipment and activities for all fitness levels, offering a free, open-air space to exercise, connect with neighbors, and prioritize your health. Whether you’re looking to kickstart a new fitness routine, challenge yourself with high-intensity workouts, or simply enjoy some outdoor activity, this space is for you. We’re proud to invest in amenities that enhance the well-being of our residents and build a stronger, healthier community.”
The Fitness Court at Kimberly Municipal Park is now open to all residents, offering a space for the Kimberly community to pursue fitness goals, connect with fellow residents, and build sustainable health habits throughout the year.
National Fitness Campaign in the News
The Campaign in Texas:?Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas?and?National Fitness?Campaign?are bringing free outdoor fitness centers to 100 communities across Texas. The Fitness Courts aim to increase access to exercise and reduce barriers to physical and mental health. There are more than 50 Fitness Courts open across the state of Texas?and more in development. Municipalities, schools and organizations in Texas can apply for grant funding through NFC to assist in constructing Fitness Courts. NFC works with grant recipients in planning, funding and launching. BCBSTX covers the partnership.
Jackson, MS:?The Museum Trail is a “rails-to-trails” greenway not unlike many others throughout the country that have been catalysts for economic progress and renewal in urban areas.?Trails also encourage physical activity, which can reduce rates of obesity and heart disease—two metrics in which Mississippi has a less-than-favorable ranking. This is especially important to the Jackson Heart Foundation and is one reason why the nonprofit played a role in bringing a first-of-its-kind Fitness Court?to Belhaven Heights Park, which was also unveiled last year. The Fitness Court sits right next to the Museum Trail.?The Magnolia Tribune writes about the Museum Trail Fitness Court.?
Have a success story to share from your healthy community on how Fitness Courts? are changing?health outcomes?
We want to hear from you! Send your stories to [email protected].
Lifelong Learner, Kinesiologist, Community-based Exercise & Health Fitness Specialist, Outdoor enthusiast
3 天前I’m advocating for exercise as medicine here where I live in Sacramento, CA, and I’m interested in partnering with the NFC and potentially using our local fitness courts for some promotional events. Who can I connect with to discuss this with?