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With three new Fitness Court launches in 2026 and nearly 20 campaign partners across the state, Kansas is building one of the most diverse and energetic outdoor fitness networks in the country, backed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.

The momentum across Kansas in 2026 has been something to watch. In a single season, a small city in southeast Kansas opened a Fitness Court Studio anchored by a local artist's mural and a rec director who speaks plainly about what free really means for his community. A city of 350,000 opened its second Fitness Court, with two city councilmen jumping on the equipment for a head-to-head competition right after the ribbon was cut. And a Kansas Senator did pushups at a Park City launch that turned a ribbon cutting into a full community celebration. Three communities, three different stories, one shared conviction that free-to-use outdoor fitness belongs in Kansas parks.

Together, these launches bring the BCBSKS and NFC campaign to nearly 20 partner communities across the state. Topeka Public Schools is preparing to add to that number soon, extending the network onto a high school campus for the first time and signaling that this campaign has moved well beyond parks and into the broader fabric of Kansas community life.

Park City — where a U.S. Senator did the workout

The May 22 launch at Park Centre in Park City set the tone for the 2026 Kansas season and gave the campaign one of its most memorable launch days of the year. Recreation Director Michaela Valcoure served as emcee, Mayor John Lehnerr and local sponsors Mike Offutt of Don Hattan Dealerships and representatives from Pratt Industries took the stage, and Virginia Barnes and Geovannie Gone from BCBSKS joined the celebration. U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. was in attendance as part of a Memorial Day weekend visit to the Wichita area and stayed through the full program.

Park City officials and Senator Roger Marshall gather to cut the ribbon

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Then came the Battle of the Badges. Officer Andrew Rosio of the Park City Police Department faced off against Rhys Powell of Sedgwick County Fire District 1 in round one. DPW's Brian Cumming, arriving in full Rocky-inspired attire, took on City Clerk Marlo Rugg in round two. Every round was close enough that when the final scores were tallied, the city decided to let all competing teams cut the ribbon together. It was exactly the kind of launch day that stays with a community.

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Fort Scott — where free means something specific

Southeast Kansas has real barriers to healthy living. That is not a generalization. It is something Fort Scott's leaders said plainly when they opened their Fitness Court Studio at Buck Run Community Center on July 9, and it is part of what makes this particular launch worth telling in full.

Lucas Kelley, director of recreation at Buck Run Community Center, put it directly:

"Some people have different priorities and situations that we're not all as fortunate to have. So free is the only thing they can really make happen right now. This is a good way to even just get them in the door." Lucas Kelley, Director of Recreation, Buck Run Community Center

Rachel Carpenter, Fort Scott's Director of Community Development and Human Resources, echoed that framing and added something about the community's response: "We have gotten a lot of great feedback on social media about the Fitness Court and how people wanted a free amenity like this in our community. Very community-minded project."

City Manager Brad Matkin spoke to what the project reflects about what Fort Scott can accomplish when partners align around a shared goal:

"We are incredibly thankful for the partnerships and support that made this Fitness Park possible. This project reflects what can be accomplished when organizations come together with a shared commitment to improving the health, wellness, and quality of life for our community." Brad Matkin, City Manager, City of Fort Scott
Local artwork by Stephen Toal on the Fort Scott Fitness Court

The Fort Scott Fitness Court Studio also features something that makes it distinctly its own: a mural by local artist Stephen Toal titled "Splash and Flow: The Art of Movement." Toal is a multidisciplinary artist working across murals, tattoos, spray paint, and airbrush design who uses his journey as a recovering addict to fuel creativity and inspire others. His work on this Fitness Court is personal, rooted, and gives the space a visual identity that belongs entirely to Fort Scott. The Fitness Court has already hosted a Battle of the Badges since opening, with more community events planned.

Wichita — a city that keeps showing up

Wichita opened its first Fitness Court at Pat Garcia Veterans Memorial Park in May 2024. On August 12, 2026, the city opened its second at Osage Park, extending free outdoor fitness to another corner of the city and making a statement about what sustained investment in public health looks like over time.

Dalton Glasscock (left) and Joseph Shepard (right)

Two city councilmen, Dalton Glasscock and Joseph Shepard, marked the occasion by jumping into a friendly head-to-head competition on the Fitness Court right after the ribbon was cut. Reggie Davidson, Director of Wichita Park and Recreation, articulated the city's longer view:

"At Wichita Park and Recreation, we're committed to creating parks and spaces that encourage healthy, active lifestyles for everyone in our community. The new Fitness Court at Osage Park provides residents with free access to innovative outdoor fitness equipment, making it easier than ever to stay active, connect with others, and enjoy our parks. We're proud to continue investing in amenities that enhance quality of life and make Wichita an even healthier place to live."Reggie Davidson, Director, Wichita Park and Recreation

Wichita opening a second site is significant not just for the residents of Osage Park but for what it signals to every other Kansas community watching: this investment is worth making more than once.

What Kansas is building

Park City, Fort Scott, and Wichita are three very different places. One is a small city on the edge of a major metro. One is a community in southeast Kansas where the cost of a gym membership is a real obstacle for real people. One is the largest city in the state, methodically expanding its public wellness infrastructure one park at a time. What connects them is a partnership with BCBSKS and NFC and a shared understanding that free outdoor fitness belongs in public spaces, regardless of the size or circumstances of the community.

Kansas Fitness Court sites
20+ sites open across Kansas

With Topeka Public Schools preparing to launch and the network approaching 20 partners statewide, Kansas is not slowing down. The communities that have already joined have set a clear standard for what this campaign looks like when it takes root, and the ones still considering it have plenty of evidence that it is worth the investment.