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On May 22, civic leaders, local sponsors, first responders, and a U.S. Senator gathered at Park Centre for the first Fitness Court launch of 2026 from the BCBSKS statewide campaign, and the community made it a day to remember.
There are ribbon cuttings, and then there are days that feel like a genuine community celebration. The launch of the new Fitness Court at Park Centre in Park City, Kansas on May 22, 2026 was clearly the latter. From a spirited challenge between Police, Fire, and Public Works that had the crowd on their feet, to the moment all three teams were invited to cut the ribbon together, the day captured something that NFC sees at its best launches: a city coming together around a shared investment in its own health and wellbeing.
Park City joins 15 other leading partners across Kansas as part of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) and NFC statewide campaign, marking the first new launch of 2026 from this partnership. The Fitness Court at Park Centre is a free, seven-station outdoor gym designed for adults of all fitness levels, supported by digital programming and built to be a lasting community resource for Park City and the broader Wichita area.
A community showing up for itself
Recreation Director Michaela Valcoure served as emcee for the morning, opening the ceremony and setting the tone for a day that balanced civic pride with genuine fun. Mayor John Lehnerr offered remarks on behalf of the city, followed by Virginia Barnes and Geovannie Gone from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, who spoke to the partnership's commitment to expanding free fitness access across the state. Local sponsors Mike Offutt from Don Hattan Dealerships and Dustin Carper and Jeff Norris from Pratt Industries also took the stage, a reflection of the kind of cross-sector community investment that makes these projects possible. Matt Helmick from the city's media and logistics team helped keep the day running seamlessly behind the scenes.
One of the most notable attendees of the morning was U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., who joined the launch as part of a Memorial Day weekend visit to the Wichita area. Senator Marshall praised the local initiative as an example of communities creating spaces that support physical health and family engagement, and he stayed for the full program, cheering on the competition alongside everyone else in the crowd. The launch also drew Chief Doug Williams of Sedgwick County Fire District 1, whose department would soon have a stake in the action.
Michaela Valcoure captured the spirit of the day in her opening remarks:
"This is such an amazing opportunity for the patrons, not only of Park City, but Wichita in general, to come out to utilize this Fitness Court to promote health, advance their health, and stay fit."Michaela Valcoure, Recreation Director, Park City
The challenge that stole the show
After opening remarks, Michaela Valcoure introduced what quickly became the highlight of the morning: a three-team challenge pitting the Park City Police Department against Sedgwick County Fire District 1 against the Department of Public Works, with the winner earning the honor of cutting the ribbon.
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Round one sent Officer Andrew Rosio of the Park City Police Department up against Rhys Powell of Sedgwick County Fire District 1 in a head-to-head Fitness Court battle. Round two brought an unexpected contender when DPW's Brian Cumming arrived in full Rocky-inspired attire to take on City Clerk Marlo Rugg, a bout that brought plenty of laughs alongside the competition. Teammates lined the sidelines holding signs for their respective teams, and Senator Marshall was among the crowd watching and cheering as the rounds played out.
Every round was close enough that when the final scores were tallied, the city invited all competing parties to cut the ribbon together. It was a fitting end to a day built around community, and it sent a clear message about what the Fitness Court is really for: everyone.
Part of something bigger across Kansas
Park City's launch is the newest chapter in a statewide effort that has been growing steadily since the BCBSKS and NFC partnership first took root in Kansas. With 16 communities now joined, the network represents a real and growing commitment to making free outdoor fitness available to Kansans across the state, in cities large and small.
The Fitness Court at Park Centre is open now and free for anyone to use. Residents can scan the QR code on site to access free digital workouts, follow along with guided sessions, and progress at their own pace across all seven stations.
If you are a community leader or civic partner in Kansas interested in bringing a Fitness Court to your area, we invite you to learn more about the BCBSKS and NFC statewide campaign and explore what it could mean for your community.
