(COFFEYVILLE, KS – June 22, 2023) — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA), Coffeyville Recreation Commission (CRC) and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® to Sherwin Williams Park. The Fitness Court, located at 103 South Cline Street, will open on Friday, June 30 at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Sherwin-WIlliams Park is the ideal location for a Fitness Court. The park currently has sports fields, a skate park, and a playground and is situated directly across the street from our community elementary school.
This Fitness Court was developed by BCBSKS, KRPA, Coffeyville Recreation Commission 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.
“We need more innovative solutions to address the physical activity needs of all Kansans. Solutions that will level the playing field and allow everyone a safe place to enjoy the outdoors and improve their health,” said Virginia Barnes, director of Blue Health Initiatives at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. “We believe that all people deserve this opportunity, and we are proud to partner with the Coffeyville Recreation Commission, KRPA and NFC to show our commitment to improving the health of all Kansans.”
“We are excited to open phase III of Sherwin Williams Park and to offer our patrons access to a Fitness Court to help lead a healthy lifestyle,” said David Rains, director of CRC.
“A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Coffeyville alongside the KRPA Board President,” said Executive Director of KRPA, Erika Devore. “During our visit, David Rains shared the vision for Sherwin-William Park. It's truly amazing to see that vision become a reality, as the park now offers an excellent free health opportunity for the entire community. I want to express my gratitude to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, NFC, and this partnership for their efforts in introducing the Fitness Court to Coffeyville. This addition provides residents with another option to get outdoors and enhance their well-being.”
“National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome the Coffeyville Recreation Commission to the campaign as a leader in Kansas, 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.”
Residents are invited to attend the launch event on Friday, June 30 at 10 a.m. to try the Fitness Court. For more information, visit facebook.com/CoffeyvilleRec, or contact the Coffeyville Recreation Commission at 620-251-5910. For more information on BCBSKS support of NFC, please visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/kansas.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
For more than 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while quickly and accurately processing claims; fairly administering benefit plans and contracts; offering programs, services and tools to help members improve or maintain their health; and operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information, visit www.bcbsks.com.
About Kansas Park and Recreation
Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA) is a non-profit, professional organization representing the parks, recreation and leisure industry in Kansas. KRPA represents nearly 1,300 professional, commercial, agency, board/commission, student and retiree members throughout the state. KRPA’s mission is to advance park and recreation opportunities that enhance the quality of life through education, communication and advocacy. Learn more about KRPA at www.krpa.org.
About Coffeyville Recreation Commission
The Coffeyville Recreation Commission offers numerous programs and activities to individuals of all ages. The Coffeyville Recreation Commission also provides various programs and events throughout the year, including swimming lessons, fitness classes, youth sports leagues, and special events like 5K races and outdoor movie nights. The mission of CRC: "Building Community Through Recreation." Learn more at http://www.coffeyvillerec.com/.
About NFC
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign (NFC) is a wellness consulting firm that provides programs and services to cities, schools and sponsors with the mission to build healthy communities. NFC delivers an integrated wellness initiative, centered on the world’s best outdoor gym: The Fitness Court®. The Campaign is planning its 500th Healthy Community, uniting the country’s largest public-private partnership in support of wellness with the goal of building a Fitness Court within a 10-minute bike ride of every American. Follow us on social media @NatFitCampaign and #Fitnesscourt.
