Wednesday, July 19, 2023 was a special day for Blue Cross and the city of Willmar, Minnesota, located approximately 95 miles west of the Twin Cities. After nearly a year of planning, the first Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Fitness Court Studio was opened to the public. Members of the community, representatives from the city, the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and the Willmar Arts Council were on hand for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Last year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the San Francisco-based National Fitness Campaign announced plans to bring up to 10 free outdoor Fitness Courts to communities across the state. Willmar marks the first of these locations to open. Capital improvement funds from the Willmar Parks and Recreation Department also made the project possible.

Jalen Cabrera of the Willmar Fire Department does pushups while competing against the Willmar Police Department in a relay race during the grand opening of the new fitness court in Sperry Park on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Photo courtesy of the West Central (Minn.) Tribune.

“The World’s Best Outdoor Gym”

Referred to as ‘The World’s Best Outdoor Gym’ and developed by San Francisco-based National Fitness Campaign (NFC), the outdoor Fitness Court Studio is 2,000 square feet of healthy infrastructure. One side features permanently installed structures that allow for a seven-minute, seven-move full-body workout; the other side is comprised of open space with padded ground for community members to practice yoga, meditation, Zumba, Tai Chi and more.

The newly opened fitness court waits to be used following the grand opening in Sperry Park on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Photo courtesy of the West Central (Minn.) Tribune.

An ideal location

Visibility and accessibility were important factors for the city of Willmar when deciding on a location for the outdoor Fitness Court Studio. Sperry Park sits alongside well-traveled Highway 71, across from Foot Lake. The park added a new parking lot, along with six pickleball courts, in 2022.

Representatives from the City of Willmar and Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce gather as the ribbon is cut by former Willmar mayor Marv Calvin.

A community connection through local art

The outdoor Fitness Court Studio is divided by an edge-to-edge space that makes for an ideal location to showcase local artwork. Blue Cross, the City of Willmar and the National Fitness Campaign worked with the Willmar Arts Council to put out the call for artist submissions.

Local artist Sonja Madsen is presented with a check by Willmar Parks and Recreation Director Rob Baumgarn.

Willmar native Sonja Madsen’s design titled “Out and About”, which highlights the diversity and universal connection between nature and fitness, was selected. Madsen was presented with a check for $3,000 at the ceremony and noted, “I've never done anything on this caliber and to have a permanent installation in my hometown … and do my part to reflect the interconnectedness of our community is just a surreal opportunity and I am beyond honored.”

"Out and About," a locally designed mural that graces the fitness court divider shows the interconnectedness between the region's landscape and fitness opportunities.

Part of a larger movement

Physical fitness and movement can help reduce the risk of chronic health conditions. Even simple bodyweight workouts can improve coordination, balance and mobility.

However, social determinants  – such as where we live, where we work and financial stability –  often act as barriers to fitness opportunities for many people. The outdoor Fitness Court Studio in Willmar now offers a free, accessible and equitable place for all area residents to improve their health in an approachable, functional, and scalable way.

By investing in outdoor Fitness Court locations throughout the state of Minnesota, Blue Cross is living its mission to help pave the way for everyone to achieve their healthiest life.

Blue Cross Chief Equity Officer Bukata Hayes speaks at the fitness court grand opening ceremony. Photo courtesy of the West Central (Minn.) Tribune.

Other Blue Cross-sponsored outdoor Fitness Courts and in various stages of reviews and approvals. This blog will report on additional grand openings throughout the state as they take place.