March 21, 2025
The City of Midland marked a significant milestone in its commitment to health and wellness with the grand opening of a new Fitness Court at Dennis the Menace Park. This initiative is part of a broader partnership between National Fitness Campaign and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas to promote active lifestyles and equitable access to exercise for residents across the state of Texas.
"The city of Midland is fortunate to partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and National Fitness Campaign on the Fitness Court at Dennis the Menace Park,” said Mayor Lori Blong. "A goal of many in our community is to make Midland the healthiest place possible and the Fitness Court's exercise stations in this centrally located park will give Midlanders an opportunity to get out and move around."
The Fitness Court provides a world-class outdoor workout space, accessible to all fitness levels, and serves as a key addition to the city’s ongoing quality-of-life projects. With 29 neighborhood parks, multiple recreational facilities, and a growing network of Hike-Bike trails, Midland has prioritized wellness initiatives to enhance community engagement and encourage physical activity.
The Fitness Court was developed by the city of Midland, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, and NFC to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities across the region.
“In addition to improvement in physical health, physical activity improves behavioral health conditions and can foster opportunities to make new social connections,” said Dr. Mark Chassay, chief medical officer at BCBSTX, “About half of U.S. adults are not getting enough physical activity in their daily lives. Helping fund these Fitness Courts is just one example of how we can support optimal health outcomes for all Texans, right in their own communities.”
At the launch event, community members, city leaders, and representatives from BCBSTX gathered to celebrate. The Midland Fire Department and Police Department engaged in a friendly Battle of the Badges competition to demonstrate the Fitness Court’s capabilities and inspire residents to get involved in their fitness journey.
“For all levels and all ages to improve their health, to enjoy the sunshine, and move their body. We can get our community feeling better, moving better, having them spend more time with their family, etc. To live life better. Our life is meant to move, we have to find a way to move and if we get ourselves moving, we can improve all aspects of our life; from our mental health to our physical health,” said Todd Triggs, Wellness Coordinator for the City of Midland.
“One out of two adults in America lack some type of physical activity in their day-to-day lives,” said Cynthia Hendon, Manager at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. “By bringing a Fitness Court to Midland, we are taking an important step in making wellness more accessible.”
Local residents and business owners expressed their excitement about the new facility. "We enjoy this park because of the different levels for all age groups," said Teresa Navarro, highlighting the inclusive design of the Fitness Court and its surrounding amenities.
The launch of the Fitness Court at Dennis the Menace Park is the 35th installation of a BCBSTX Fitness Court in the state, reinforcing the city’s commitment to promoting a healthier, more active community. In the weeks following the launch, the City has introduced free fitness programming on the court, offering guided workouts and community-led training sessions to encourage residents to take full advantage of this new resource.
