June 26, 2025
Across North Carolina, a wave of community-driven wellness is reshaping parks, campuses, and town centers — powered by National Fitness Campaign and a coalition of public and private partners. From the urban energy of Mecklenburg County to the small-town spirit of Selma and the cultural legacy of the Lumbee Tribe, Fitness Courts are transforming spaces into hubs for health and human connection.
Since the first Fitness Court in the state opened in Columbus County in 2019, a vision for improved health outcomes has taken root across the state — accelerated in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, when the need for safe, outdoor wellness options became a matter of public health.
In Charlotte, that vision came to life through a powerful partnership with Lowe’s and the Carolina Panthers. Located in Veterans Memorial Park, the Mecklenburg County Fitness Court was unveiled in September 2020, offering a socially distanced, open-air gym that welcomed everyone — from veteran workout groups to first-time exercisers.
"Serving those who serve our country has long been a priority for both the Carolina Panthers and our friends at Lowe’s,” said Panthers President Tom Glick. “We are excited to see the enthusiastic response that the Fitness Court is generating by both veterans workout groups and the community at large.” Mecklenburg County’s Parks and Recreation executive director Lee Jones emphasized the importance of accessibility during the pandemic: “One of the important aspects of the Veterans Park Fitness Court is that it's outdoors. It provides the opportunity for safe and socially-distanced workout opportunities for citizens who may have limited access to indoor workout facilities, or who are not comfortable with indoor workout options.”
From the momentum of Mecklenburg grew a statewide network — fueled by community champions, civic investment, and local pride.
In the Town of Selma, the energy surrounding its 2023 Fitness Court launch was electric. Local leaders rallied around the shared belief that health should be celebrated and supported in public spaces. “The Town of Selma is proud to be able to provide this impressive Fitness Court amenity for our citizens, stakeholders, and visitors,” said Mayor Byron James McAllister. “Wellness is an important part of a town's quality of life. This investment shows that the Town of Selma values health and fitness!”
In Robeson County, a landmark Fitness Court at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center came to life after two years of dedicated planning and teamwork. This community-driven project was supported through an NFC grant, combined with generous contributions from Locklear Enterprise, SE General Contractors, Lumbee Guarantee Bank, Robeson Healthcare Corp., First Bank, and more. It was a truly collective effort, anchored by the passion of local leaders.
“We are thrilled to have made this project a reality for the Rennert community,” said Grant Administrator Ashley Love. “The Fitness Court is the result of two years of commitment, planning, and teamwork among Robeson County Parks and Recreation, myself, and the Rennert Park Committee. I am grateful to have been part of a collective effort that has created an impactful initiative for an underserved community.”
That sense of collaboration and commitment has been a hallmark across every Fitness Court installation. In the city of Mebane, the 2020 launch carried the town’s motto — “Positively Charming” — into a new era of active living. “To be ‘Positively Charming,’ a community has to encourage healthy living,” said City Manager David Cheek. “With Cone Health and our other sponsors' generous support, Mebane's new Fitness Court provides another option for our citizens to get fit!”
The Town of Burlington followed in 2022, with demand for outdoor activity at an all-time high. As Councilmember Kathy Laws explained, “There’s been a lot of demand for outdoor exercise since the pandemic. This gives you an opportunity to go outside to work out – and it’s free.”
Other towns recognized similar needs and seized the opportunity to act. In Indian Trail, Parks and Recreation Director Hayden Kramer emphasized how the NFC model aligned with their mission. “After learning about the NFC grant, the town felt the Fitness Court would be a great way to offer a free place for our residents to workout, no matter their fitness level,” he said. “In the parks and recreation department, we’re always trying to find new opportunities to enhance our offerings and think this will make a great addition to Chestnut Square Park.”
On university campuses, leaders also championed the idea of accessible fitness. At Elon University, the Student Government Association partnered with Campus Recreation and Wellness to bring a Fitness Court to life in 2021. “This new facility, made possible by the vision and support of the Student Government Association and the professionals in Campus Recreation and Wellness and in the Student Life Office, is one of the first steps in our efforts to expand wellness opportunities on campus,” said President Connie Book. “This new Fitness Court is one way we are supporting our university mission to transform the mind, body and spirit, and to promote resilience, belonging and all aspects of lifelong personal wellness.”
In Kernersville, a similar collaboration with Novant Health brought a new Fitness Court to Civitan Park. “This is a fantastic partnership,” said Ernie Pages, director of the Kernersville Parks and Recreation Department. “By working together we are able to address an identified community need from a parks and health perspective. My hope is that the fitness court will provide everyone a fun way to get fit and stay healthy, while improving the overall health of our community.”
These projects may vary in size and setting — from tribal lands and college campuses to town parks and urban centers — but all share one thing in common: a belief that strong partnerships build healthier communities.
As new sites prepare to launch in places like Hyde County Schools and the City of Thomasville, National Fitness Campaign’s mission continues to take shape across North Carolina. With each ribbon cut and workout led, a new chapter begins — one where wellness is not a luxury, but a public good, built by the community, for the community.
