How do you change health outcomes and make a lasting impact? You invest in healthy communities. Since 2019, Priority Health and National Fitness Campaign have been on a joint mission to give every Michigander access to free, world-class outdoor wellness infrastructure.

As the first official State Sponsor to join NFC’s nationwide network, Priority Health continues to lead the way in building healthier communities. The renewed multi-year partnership, extending through 2027, is expanding wellness access in every corner of the state — including the newest effort launching this spring: the Small Town USA campaign.

This new initiative will serve small communities, ensuring that even the most rural parts of Michigan aren’t left behind in the movement for equitable health and fitness access.

‍The Movement Is Growing

The campaign’s momentum continues to accelerate. Since 2019, the Priority Health + NFC partnership has supported wellness programming in 24 communities — including Highland Park, Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Grand Traverse County—Over $3 million has been invested through public-private partnerships to date.In 2024, five new Michigan partners joined the network: Lincoln Park, Lansing, Jackson College, Dearborn Heights, and Port Huron Township. Together, these sites deliver free fitness opportunities to hundreds of thousands of residents.

Now, with the launch of the Small Town USA campaign, the reach is expanding beyond Michigan’s larger cities and into rural communities, making it possible for towns across the state to bring world-class outdoor fitness to their residents for the first time.

“By 2027, we’d like to be in one-third of the communities across the state, which would allow us to offer this type of access to 3.3 million Michiganders,” said Rick Abbott, Priority Health Senior Vice President, Employer Solutions.

A Proven Model for Impact

This partnership was piloted at Oakland University in 2019, where the Fitness Court quickly became a go-to hub for students, faculty, and local residents. Since then, the network has expanded to urban parks, suburban neighborhoods and college campuses, and now small towns—where the demand for free wellness infrastructure is just as high. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to wander around our city and see people using Fitness Courts,” said Lansing Mayor Andy Schor. “Anybody can come—whether you live on the north side, south side, or outside the city. Because that’s what this is about. It’s about accessibility.”

All Fitness Courts are supported by a free-to-download mobile application, The Fitness Court App, which offers world-class workouts and acts like a coach in your pocket. The official app serves up fun ways to stay fit while enjoying fresh air, sunshine and a healthy outdoor workout. Certified ambassadors across the state bring life to the spaces through group classes and community programming, helping thousands build sustainable wellness routines.

‍A Vision for Healthier, More Connected Communities

Priority Health’s President, Praveen Thadani, believes that everyone has the right to a healthy life. Thadani emulates that sentiment through the organization’s vision, which focuses on simple, affordable, equitable, and exceptional healthcare. 

After the Fitness Court launch ceremony in Port Huron, President Thadani shared her exctiement for the community.

“Celebrating the opening of the Port Huron Priority Health Fitness Court reminds us that we all have a responsibility to support the well-being of the people in our community and together we can go farther toward improving health for all. We are excited to partner with the city of Port Huron and the National Fitness Campaign to open this Priority Health Fitness Court as we continue to expand on this initiative across the state.”

Priority Health and NFC have impacted health outcomes for 24 healthy communities in Michigan. These communities have invested in healthy infrastructure and wellness programming, providing 731,000 Michiganders a safe and welcoming environment to move their body and invest in their mental well-being–breaking down any financial barriers to access.

As life expectancy in America continues to decline, and sedentary lifestyles increase the risk for chronic disease, Priority Health and NFC are doubling down on prevention. The Fitness Court network is designed to drive pedestrian movement, social connection, and outdoor activity — the building blocks of  physical and mental health.

With five healthy community site partner launches already planned for 2025, the Priority Health Fitness Court network will continue to break down barriers to free world-class outdoor fitness and wellness programming.

“We are thrilled to have Priority Health continue with NFC on the journey to health and wellness for Michiganders. We know the health impact that occurs when communities design the built environment intentionally to promote pedestrian movement,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of NFC. “When people invest in their health, good things happen. In the near future, world-class fitness will be free across the state of Michigan! This growing network will allow everyone to take part in a lifelong wellness journey, keeping their body and mind strong, active and engaged.” 

With 40 Healthy Communities projected in Michigan by 2025 and an ambitious goal to reach over 1,000 nationwide by 2026, NFC and its partners are changing what’s possible—starting right in your neighborhood.

Because every Michigander deserves access to a healthy life.

Contact our team to learn more about grant funding & partnership for Michigan communities!

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