FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS – JULY 31, 2023) — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross), Fall River, and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® to Fall River.
The Fitness Court, located at Britland Park on 73 Wordell St., will open August 8th at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
This Fitness Court was developed by Blue Cross, Fall River and NFC to expand free access to high quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities around the state. The Fitness Court is the world’s best outdoor gym that lets people use their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations.
Created with people aged 14 and over and with all abilities in mind, the 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.
“Blue Cross is committed to helping people live healthy lives and eliminating the physical and social barriers that lead to health disparities,” said Jeff Bellows, vice president of corporate citizenship and public affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. “We’re proud to partner with NFC and Fall River to launch a Fitness Court that will provide Bristol County residents a communal gathering space and access to premiere free outdoor fitness opportunities.”
Bristol County is one of 15 outdoor Fitness Courts in a series of Blue Cross Fitness Courts that are currently open or will be constructed in easily accessible public spaces this year. Blue Cross' sponsorship of NFC is part of the company's strengthened corporate citizenship commitment to promote health justice in communities across the Commonwealth.
Over the next five years, Blue Cross will provide $16 million in grants and volunteer support to not-for-profits working to address food, environmental and racial justice in Massachusetts communities. This work supports the company's overall pledge to be a leader in addressing health inequities across the Commonwealth.
“Every day, we are looking to improve our parks for the health of residents. The Fitness Court is an addition to Britland Park and a great way to give the community an accessible and cost-free fitness resource to benefit them,” says Mayor Paul Coogan. “National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome Fall River to the campaign as a leader in Massachusetts, championing health and wellness for their residents” said Mitch Menaged, founder of NFC. “We are proud to continue our mission of getting people moving outdoors and helping communities combat the fiscal and humanitarian costs of inactivity.” The Fitness Court® features artwork by Abigail Collins. Collins is a photographer and mixed
