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How one resident is proving that taking action can turn a community park into a hub for health, wellness, and connection.
In Santa Rosa County, Florida, Doug Kormondy has shown how one dedicated individual can drive meaningful change. A hospital pharmacist, father, and lifelong advocate for health and wellness, Doug spearheaded the effort to bring a Fitness Court® to the south side of the county—demonstrating how commitment, preparation, and community engagement can make a real impact.
Doug first discovered the National Fitness Campaign when he and his wife came across a Fitness Court® in Pensacola. Inspired, he researched the campaign, connected with NFC staff, and prepared to share the idea with his local officials. Understanding that Santa Rosa County is divided by Pensacola Bay and that most existing Fitness Courts were in the north, Doug knew the south side needed a Fitness Court to provide equitable access for families and community members.
With a potential site already in mind—Tiger Point Park, a well-established hub with baseball fields, family-friendly amenities, and opportunities for intergenerational use—Doug reached out to Rod Hardy in the county’s Building Maintenance Department to begin the conversation. Equipped with printed flyers featuring images of the Fitness Court, key information, and funding possibilities, Doug attended a county commissioner meeting and presented the campaign during a public forum. His preparation and initiative quickly led to the county reaching out to NFC to begin the process of bringing a Fitness Court to Santa Rosa County.
Doug’s persistence paid off. He participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, became a regular user of the Fitness Court, and continues to advocate for the campaign within his community. While he hasn’t led formal classes, he shares the Fitness Court’s potential with older adults, families, and even friends in his childhood community of Long Beach, Mississippi—encouraging them to pursue similar initiatives locally.
Reflecting on his approach, Doug says:
"Take an active role in your community. Nothing happens without action. If you want change, ask for it. Seize opportunities and be the spark to light the fire." He also emphasizes the importance of personal wellness: "Taking care of our bodies is paramount. Physical fitness serves as accessible therapy, benefiting both the mind and body, especially in today's focus on mental health. It is amazing what a good sweat and 20 minutes of outdoor exercise can do for the mind, as well as the body."
Takeaways for Fitness Court Ambassadors:
- Show up in person: Attend city or county council meetings. Officials’ inboxes are full; seeing your face and hearing your message makes a stronger impact.
- Be prepared: Doug brought printed flyers, a clear site proposal, and background information about the campaign. Preparation shows initiative and eases the decision-making process for officials.
- Leverage local champions: Identify commissioners, staff, or community leaders already involved in similar projects to build support and gain guidance.
- Know your site: Having a potential location ready demonstrates thoughtfulness and makes it easier for local leaders to take action.
- Persistence pays off: Doug’s story shows that with initiative, research, and clear communication, one person can spark lasting community change.
Doug’s journey exemplifies the power of proactive, community-driven advocacy. Through his efforts, the Fitness Court at Tiger Point Park is not only improving access to outdoor fitness but also inspiring future champions to take action in their own communities.
Fitness Court Ambassadors can look to Doug’s story as a blueprint for successfully engaging local officials and bringing the gift of free, world-class outdoor fitness to neighborhoods everywhere.
