Shawnee Public Schools is proud to announce the grand opening of the Shawnee Wolves Fitness Court®, a new outdoor wellness destination located at Jefferson Elementary School, designed to provide free, accessible fitness opportunities for students, families, and community members of all ages.
The Fitness Court® was made possible through a partnership with the National Fitness Campaign and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. Created for adults of all abilities aged 14+, the Fitness Court® workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Shawnee joins hundreds of communities across the nation that are investing in innovative public spaces that encourage healthy lifestyles and active living, and is one of the first ten Campaign Partners building a network of Fitness Courts across the state, with the help of BCBSOK.
A public Launch Day Celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 25, at 8:30 a.m. Community members, local leaders, students, and families are invited to attend and experience the new facility firsthand.
The event will feature remarks from Shawnee High School Head Football Coach Jason Madonna, followed by an introduction to the Fitness Court® and demonstrations showcasing how individuals can utilize the equipment for a variety of workouts and fitness levels.
"The Shawnee Wolves Fitness Court® represents our commitment to the health and well-being of our students and community," said Coach Madonna. "This is more than a fitness space, it's a place where people can come together, stay active, challenge themselves, and build healthier habits for life."
John Bobb-Semple, Executive Director of Pogo and a community partner in local health and wellness initiatives, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to live healthier lives.
"Access is one of the most important factors in building a healthier community," said Bobb-Semple. "When we create spaces that are free, accessible, and welcoming to everyone, we remove barriers and give people the opportunity to make physical activity part of their daily lives. The Shawnee Wolves Fitness Court® is an investment in the health of our community, and we're excited to see families, students, and residents of all ages use this resource for years to come."
“As a company, we are committed to helping make Oklahoma a healthier state,” said Dr. Todd Hoffman, Chief Medical Officer for BCBSOK. “About half of all U.S. adults are not getting enough physical activity in their daily lives. We know an active lifestyle not only supports physical health, but it also helps improve mental health and fosters opportunities for social connections. By partnering with the National Fitness Campaign to provide free, outdoor gyms, we can support the health of our communities and their families where they live, work, and play.”
“We are excited to have Shawnee Public Schools join us in the journey to improve health and wellness as we work to make a powerful and long-lasting impact on health outcomes and happiness by building healthy communities across America,’’ said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. “The addition of the outdoor Fitness Court, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and well-being within the Shawnee community.”
Located on the campus of Jefferson Elementary School, the Fitness Court® will serve as a year-round resource for the Shawnee community. The outdoor facility is designed to support users of all fitness abilities through bodyweight exercises that promote strength, agility, balance, and overall wellness. Accessible and free to use, the Fitness Court® provides a convenient way for individuals and families to prioritize healthy living.
Community members are encouraged to download the Fitness Court® App before attending the event. The app provides guided workouts, training programs, and tools to help users maximize their Fitness Court® experience.
Shawnee Public Schools invites the entire community to join in celebrating this exciting addition and to take advantage of a resource that will support health, wellness, and fitness for years to come.
For more information on BCBSOK’s support of NFC, please visit https://www.nationalfitnesscampaign.com/oklahoma.