The City of Glasgow proudly celebrated the grand opening of Montana’s first Fitness Court on October 1, marking an exciting milestone for community health and outdoor recreation. Hosted at Hoyt Park, located beside the skatepark and swimming pool and across from Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, the ribbon-cutting event drew city leaders, local partners, and residents for a morning of celebration, demonstrations, and community pride.

The project was led by the Glasgow Recreation Department in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBS Montana) and NFC, with the shared goal of expanding free access to fitness opportunities for all residents. The new outdoor gym features seven stations designed for bodyweight exercises, offering a full-body circuit workout suitable for all fitness levels. Visitors can exercise independently or follow guided routines through the free Fitness Court App.

“On behalf of the Glasgow Recreation Department and the City of Glasgow, I am thrilled to announce the opening of the new state-of-the-art outdoor Fitness Court,” said Jory Casterline, Director of Recreation for the City of Glasgow. “The Fitness Court will provide the community with a free, outdoor workout space designed for full-body circuit training. We are extremely proud that this is the first-ever Fitness Court in the state of Montana—with this, we are continuing our commitment to providing our residents with exceptional recreational activities.”

Mayor Rod Karst also reflected on the collaboration that brought the project to life. “It's hard to believe that just over a year ago this started with an email,” said Karst. “The development of Hoyt Park has been amazing, but we're not done yet, we're working on pickleball courts and additional improvements with the pool. This project couldn't have happened without the generosity of our local partners.”

In addition to BCBS Montana, the project was supported by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, AARP, FMDH, the FMDH Foundation, Performance Concrete and Construction, Fossum Materials, and MDU. City Grant Writer Ashleigh Byers and Recreation Department Director Jory Casterline were recognized for securing grant funding and coordinating the project from inception to completion.

BCBS Montana Community Relations Manager Jesse Zentz and Director of Operations Kirsi Parker attended the event, joining local officials for the ribbon-cutting. “One in two adults don't get enough physical activity, which can lead to chronic conditions,” said Zentz. “Through our partnership with the National Fitness Campaign, we aim to bring 10 Fitness Courts to Montana, and we're thrilled Glasgow is home to the first one. This is huge for us, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Ashleigh Byers’ efforts in securing funding.”

Following the ceremony, Glasgow High School students showcased how to use each station, giving residents a firsthand look at the Fitness Court’s versatility and energy. Freshman Tay Morehouse became the first participant to complete the full circuit on the Fitness Court, setting the tone for a future of active living in Glasgow.

With this milestone, Glasgow has set a new standard for community wellness in Montana, blending civic leadership, local partnership, and public health in one transformative project. Communities across the state are already taking note.

To learn how your city can join this movement and bring a Fitness Court to your residents, contact NFC to get started today.