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Across Illinois in 2026, cities, park districts, and villages are joining a statewide movement to put free, world-class outdoor fitness within reach of every resident, and the momentum is growing.
From a riverfront trail in Fulton to a vibrant park in Dolton, from a community park in Willow Springs to the Village Green in Palos Park, communities of all sizes are making the same declaration: free access to quality fitness belongs here. The partners behind these projects look different in every community, but the commitment is the same, and it is backed by a statewide partnership between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and the National Fitness Campaign that is helping communities turn that commitment into lasting infrastructure.
Each Fitness Court in the network is a free-to-use, seven-station outdoor gym built for adults of all fitness levels, supported by digital programming through the Fitness Court app and designed to activate the public spaces communities already love. What has been remarkable about 2026 is not just the number of communities joining the campaign, but the depth of investment each one has brought to the table, local artists, student athletes, state legislators, park district boards, library districts, and healthcare partners all showing up for the same idea at the same time.
Communities leading the way in 2026
Fulton
2nd Street and 9th Avenue, Fulton
The Fitness Court in Fulton sits at the start of a 4.5-mile bike and pedestrian trail that circles the city along the Mississippi River, making it one of the most naturally integrated locations in the entire Illinois network. This is not a destination you have to go out of your way to reach; it is the anchor point of a route that residents are already using. Mayor Shane Malone was among the first to put the Fitness Court to the test at the June ribbon cutting, a fitting signal from a civic leader about what this space is for and who it welcomes.
Dolton Park District
Triangle Park
Building on Fulton’s momentum, the June 8th launch at Triangle Park in Dolton was as much a community celebration as it was a ribbon cutting. The Fitness Court features a mural created by Thornridge High School alumni Nakai Parker and Kaiyah Gillette, both 19, who spent more than two years bringing it to life after their art teacher Carrie Carlson introduced the project as a challenge. The result is a work that reflects exactly what they hoped it would: colorful, playful, and built to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Parker spoke directly to what she wants the Fitness Court to mean for Dolton:
"This is the first Fitness Court I've really seen in Dolton. I really want people to use it, I want people to take advantage of it. I want people to see something colorful, something playful, something that could be enjoyed by all ages, something that they can look forward to."
Local fitness professionals Tammi Bolden of Tri'une Fitness and Jose and Claudia Gunter of Panther Training LLC led demonstrations on launch day, giving residents a first-hand look at what the Fitness Court can do. The launch also brought together Illinois State Representatives Thaddeus Jones and Will Davis and State Senator Napoleon Harris, whose work securing grant funding helped make the project a reality. Representative Davis put the public health stakes plainly:
"We know that our health determinants are off the charts more than any other population of people. So, we must do more to make sure that we're becoming healthier and getting out of our homes, whether it's just walking, doing some sort of exercise and movement."
Dolton Park District Executive Director Lonette Hall and Board President Cleo D. Jones both framed the Fitness Court as part of something larger than a single amenity.
"The more amenities we have, the more people are proud of their park, the more they're proud of their park, the more they attend the park," Hall said. Jones added: "We are committed to health, wellness, and creating opportunities for residents to move more and live healthier lives. Whether you're beginning your fitness journey or looking to enhance your current routine, the Fitness Court offers a convenient and inclusive outdoor space for all to enjoy and be active."
Village of Willow Springs
Lions Park, Willow Springs
Lions Park is Willow Springs' largest community green space, the park where the village gathers for its biggest events, and it is now home to a Fitness Court. The location was chosen thoughtfully: accessible and connected to the walking path that already draws residents through the park. A splash pad and new play equipment round out the space, making Lions Park a true multi-generational destination where a family outing and a quality workout can happen in the same afternoon.
Palos Park District
Village Green, Palos Park
The June 18th launch in Palos Park brought together a notable cross-section of state and civic leadership, with Illinois State Representatives Mary Gill and Rick Ryan, Brian Snell, President of BCBSIL, and Mike Vivoda, President of NM Palos Hospital all in attendance alongside Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters.
The activation side of the day was led by Chulo Fit, a local fitness gym and project donor, who worked with four members of the Moraine Valley Community College cross country team to demonstrate all seven stations of the Fitness Court for the crowd. Mayor Milovich-Walters spoke to what the investment means for the village: "Investing in health and wellness is an investment in our community." The rec team has followed up with free summer orientation programs to help residents get set up on the Fitness Court app and move through a guided circuit with real-time coaching on form and modifications.
The momentum is only growing
These four communities are not alone. Channahon, Glenwood, the Foss Park District, and the Glenwood-Lynwood Library are all in the process of launching their own Fitness Courts in 2026, extending the network further across the state and into new kinds of community spaces, including, for the first time in this Campaign, a public library.
What is emerging in Illinois is something worth paying attention to. It is not just a collection of individual park improvements. It is a statewide infrastructure investment in public health, backed by healthcare leadership, championed by elected officials, and brought to life by the park directors, artists, coaches, and community members who believe that free access to quality fitness is something every Illinois resident deserves.
If you are a community leader, parks director, or civic partner in Illinois interested in joining this campaign, there has never been a better moment to explore what a Fitness Court could mean for your community.
