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Right along the Texas-Arkansas border, sits the City of Texarkana with a population of roughly 36,000. On March 7th at Spring Lake Park, the city joined the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) wellness campaign with nearly 50 community residents in attendance to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Mayor Bob Bruggeman, Parks and Recreation Director Robby Robertson, Jennifer Harland from the American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation and Robyn Weatherby, Director, Enterprise National Accounts for BCBSTX provided remarks to the crowd to kick off the event.
“It was an honor today to represent Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas as we partner with National Fitness Campaign to bring access to outdoor workouts to the City of Texarkana and 19 other communities throughout Texas.” - Robyn Weatherby, Director, Enterprise National Accounts for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
Following the official ribbon-cutting, representatives from the Texarkana Police Department, Texarkana Fire Department and Texarkana Parks and Recreation demonstrated all seven stations of the Fitness Court® at varying levels of difficulty to show that anyone, no matter if you are a beginner or an advanced athlete, can use the Fitness Court®.
“This Fitness Court® is an excellent addition to Spring Lake Park which will provide an additional resource for our residents,” said City Manager David Orr in an interview with local TV news. The launch event generated 10 news hits across TV, radio and print outlets.
The launch in Texarkana put a spotlight on collaborative partnerships between the public and private sector to help bring free, accessible wellness to the local community. “The Foundation strives to improve the quality of life for people in the communities where AEP has the privilege of serving,” said Jennifer Harland, Director of External Affairs of AEP Foundation. “Access to high-quality workouts and equitable access to exercise for our communities is critical for the health and well-being of all.”
Since the launch event in the spring, the public response has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents and visitors love the Fitness Court® and how it ties in well with the trail around the lake – it’s the perfect location to get in a quick or extended workout.
