Muhlenberg County High School, located in Greenville, Kentucky, educates nearly 1,200 students in grades 9-12. Located in the southwestern part of the state, Muhlenberg County is known for its abundant tourism and recreational attractions. From water activities at Lake Malone, two county golf courses and a 12-mile walking trail between Greenville and Central City, Muhlenberg has always prioritized outdoor recreation.

When John Lovell from Muhlenberg County Public Schools heard about the National Fitness Campaign from his friend in Panama City, FL who loved working out on their local Fitness Court®, he started to research more about the process of bringing the campaign to Muhlenberg County.

The goal for any school and community is for its students and residents to learn habits that will result in a lifetime of fitness and wellness. Having similar goals for Muhlenberg, Lovell presented the initiative to High School Principal Ken Carver as well as Superintendent Contessa Orr. With their excitement and consensus to support the project, John applied for the healthy schools grant with National Fitness Campaign. Upon receiving the good news that Muhlenberg County High School had received the grant, Lovell then brought in Eric Bletzinger, the district’s Chief Financial Officer to see if it would be financially feasible. Once internal leadership provided their support, Lovell then made a presentation to get approval from the school board. With the school board’s approval, the district started looking for community partners to join the project.

Now one step closer to bringing the Fitness Court® and wellness program to the community, the district approached Owensboro Health and The Felix Martin Foundation who were big supporters of the project and have been tremendous community partners throughout Muhlenberg County – always going above and beyond for the community according to Lovell. 

With Owensboro Health and The Felix Martin Foundation’s partnership along with the grant funding from National Fitness Campaign, Muhlenberg County Public Schools became the first High School to join the campaign in the state of Kentucky.

“It is really exciting to be the first High School in the state of Kentucky to join the campaign. It is something our school district and community is proud of.   Hopefully, other schools will see the benefits and join aboard.”

It was now time to decide on a site location for the Fitness Court® that would be accessible for not just the High School community, but the greater Greenville community as well. After working with National Fitness Campaign’s expert team of planners, the Fitness Court site placement was to be located between Felix E. Martin, Jr. Hall and the Ray Jones Family Athletic Complex. Easily accessible to the High School and located near a central walking trail, this site was the optimal placement for the Fitness Court. It was now time to pour the concrete and build the state’s first Fitness Court® on a High School campus.

After the ribbon cutting in late May 2024, physical education teachers were able to introduce their students to the Fitness Court® before school let out for summer, a sneak preview for incorporating the Fitness Court® into the PE curriculum next year. The JROTC will also be utilizing the Fitness Court® for training as it is located next to their obstacle course. Athletic teams, like the varsity girl’s soccer team, have been incorporating the Fitness Court® into their strength and conditioning programs. As the coach for the boys’ basketball team, Lovell plans to use the Fitness Court® as a training tool with the team starting in September.

“The Fitness Court® is a great addition to our campus and community. The Fitness Court® provides all with free access to exercise opportunities with the additional benefits of being outdoors.”

John’s best advice for other communities and schools interested in learning more about the campaign? Don't be afraid to ask for help. He adds, “There are numerous grants and organizations that would love to partner for the betterment of their community.”

Are you interested in learning more about the Healthy Schools Grants and Campaign Services for your High School or College? Contact our team today, we’re here to work alongside you every step of the way.