Forrest County leaders gathered last month to celebrate a major milestone in their long-term commitment to improving community health: the grand opening of the new Fitness Court® Studio. Supported by National Fitness Campaign, this world-class outdoor wellness platform is now fully open for residents, offering free access to quick, high-quality workouts close to home.

The launch marked the culmination of planning, collaboration, and a county-wide push to promote active living. For many Forrest County residents—particularly the seniors who have been training twice weekly at the C. E. Roy Community Center—the Fitness Court represents not just a new public facility, but the next step in their personal wellness journeys.

One longtime participant, Stephanie Mitchell, summed up that excitement during the celebration: “Since I started exercising, how about this, I’m looking slim, trim, and fit, and ready to go.”

These community classes are led by senior fitness instructor Damionh “DJ” Jones, a driving force behind local engagement and a highlight of the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Jones demonstrated all seven movement stations on the Fitness Court, emphasizing how easily residents can build strength, mobility, and confidence in just minutes a day.

“You have things simple from body weight workouts, pushups, you have jumping, you have stepping,” Jones explained. “It’s accessible. It’s free. You can scan the app and it shows you ways to work out. That’s amazing.”

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County leaders also took the stage, reflecting on the effort that made the project possible. District 4 Supervisor Rod Woullard spoke on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, detailing both the long-term vision and the hands-on work the county invested to bring the Fitness Court to life. “Two and a half years of planning, I am elated. I really am, that it finally came together, but it came together so greatly. Our health is our wealth,” Woullard said. “So we want to take advantage of that in every way we can.”

The ribbon-cutting included heartfelt testimonials from seniors whose lives have already been changed through regular exercise—many of whom are eager to make the Fitness Court their new home for wellness.

“I feel so much better,” said Brenda Brown. “I’m not depressed anymore. Weight loss has come, I’ve lost 15 pounds.”

Torjia Ashford shared a similar transformation: “I’ve been exercising and I have done good. I lost about 27 pounds. I am toned. My clothes are smaller.”

Another participant, Brenda Booth, encouraged others to join the movement: “I encourage all the other seniors to come out and get involved and get active because it does, it brings life. It gives you longevity to live, to want to live.”

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Following the successful launch, one of the project partners, Forrest General Hospital, brought their Rehab Therapists to the Fitness Court to demonstrate simple exercises for every age and ability. Kellie Sasser, Occupational Therapist, shared: “Movement is essential for everyone of all ages because it helps with muscle development, coordination, balance, joint health, cardiovascular health, our lungs, and our brain. Our bodies were made to move and it is essential and important to stay mobile as we age.”

Sasser demonstrated exercises for young adults, older adults, and anyone recovering from an injury, highlighting the Fitness Court’s versatility in supporting variable fitness levels. District 4 Supervisor Rod Woullard joined the therapists to demonstrate alongside them, encouraging residents: “Just remember your health is your wealth and I want to see you...I take that back, I want to meet you at the Fitness Court.”

Local health leaders echoed that message, emphasizing the importance of making accessible fitness opportunities available to all residents. Forrest Health CEO Jeff Cook spoke to the broader impact the new Fitness Court will have: “Having access is the biggest key because I think a lot of folks like to get outside and do activity and be active, but just having a place to be able to do that is significant.”

Forrest County’s new Fitness Court is one of the first ten in Mississippi—with more on the way as communities statewide look to strengthen public health infrastructure.