A new outdoor Fitness Court® unveiled in Glasgow in October is the first of 10 planned across the state, made possible through a collaboration between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, National Fitness Campaign and local community partners.
The Fitness Court lets users leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations. Created for adults of all abilities aged 14 and older, users can download the free Fitness Court App which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and turns the outdoor gym into a digitally supported experience.
BCBSMT’s investment in the Glasgow Fitness Court is part of the health plan’s pledge to reduce barriers to physical and mental health for Montanans through $250,000 in grants to help build 10 new Fitness Courts across the state.
“We are dedicated to helping Montana become a healthier place to live, work and recreate,” said BCBSMT President Lisa Kelley. “This commitment has been and will remain a key component of our ongoing investment in communities throughout the state.”
Through the collaboration with NFC, BCBSMT hopes to improve health outcomes. It’s one of many community investments targeting social and economic factors that affect health. Increasing access to physical activity is one of the company’s strategic focus areas to help strengthen local neighborhoods.
Built in Hoyt Park, the court is bordered by other outdoor activities that promote exercise, including basketball and racquetball courts, a gym, skate park, playgrounds, soon-to-come pickleball court and a newly finished $5 million outdoor pool.
“We’re always looking for something new and innovative, and anytime we can add something to our community that encourages health and wellness it’s an easy decision,” says Jory Casterline, Director of Recreation for the City of Glasgow.
BCBSMT and NFC are planning the state’s next Fitness Court in Sidney.
“The goal across the state is to build a network of healthy infrastructure,” says Annie Herstik, design manager at NFC who helped develop the Glasgow project. “We see a lot of issues related to chronic conditions and mental health, and we find the courts are a great place to help communities combat some of these issues. These courts can act as wellness hubs for the community to come together and strengthen relationships.”
Famed Montana sports broadcaster Rocky Erickson hosted the October grand opening event, which welcomed Glasgow residents and local high schoolers demonstrating how to use the Fitness Court.
Casterline is also the head wrestling coach at Glasgow High School and says he and other coaches at the school are planning to incorporate the Fitness Court into their team’s summer workouts.
“Our hope is that we can make people healthier,” says Casterline. “Many communities are struggling and when someone looks at Glasgow and sees we’re still growing and offering new things it brings new people into town.”
