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On a sunny fall day, the campus of Bridgewater State University (BSU) was buzzing with excitement as they joined the Blue Cross campaign – the first higher education partners in the state to do so. Located in a prime spot on campus at University Park, the Fitness Court® is not only open to the campus community but the public at large. In collaboration with BSU and Blue Cross, custom art was created specific to the University. The world’s best outdoor gym pops throughout with BSU’s trademark red, as well as some black-and-white imagery.
Before the ribbon was officially cut, attendees at the launch event heard from University President Frederick W. Clark Jr., Esq. and Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs at Blue Cross, Jeff Bellows. Each spoke on the importance of outdoor exercise both for building community and for overall health and well-being.
“We know exercise improves mood and can decrease depression. Exercise increases self-confidence and helps people to feel good about themselves; it impacts your mental, physical, and social components. Ultimately, exercise can connect you with others, strengthening your sense of community,” - Daniel Rezendes, assistant athletic director for recreation and wellness.
Students performed demonstrations showing modifications at each of the seven stations. Attendees were also able to have their height, weight and blood pressure checked during the event.
In addition to the greater campus and local community, BSU’s athletic teams plan to use the area for training and programming. Classes will also be taught in the kinesiology and exercise-science departments, integrating the Fitness Court® directly into curriculum and coursework for students. To date, Campus Recreation hosted 18 sessions during the fall 2023 semester.
