(Channahon, IL – July 23, 2026) — Channahon Park District, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL), and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® and digital wellness programming to Channahon. The Fitness Court®, located at 24856 W Eames Street, Channahon in Central Park, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 6 at 4:00 pm.
This Fitness Court® was developed by the Channahon Park District, BCBSIL, and NFC to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities across the region. The Fitness Court® is the world’s best outdoor gym that lets users leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations.
Created for adults of all abilities aged 14+, the Fitness Court® workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users also may download the free Fitness Court® App which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience. Channahon Park District is one of more than 30 Campaign Partners building a network of BCBSIL-sponsored Fitness Courts across the state, contributing to a total of more than 50 Fitness Courts statewide.
"We're excited to bring the National Fitness Campaign Outdoor Fitness Court® to Channahon because it provides another opportunity for residents of all ages and abilities to stay active, connect with one another, and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces. Investing in health and wellness is an investment in our community," said Channahon Park District Board of Commissioners President Christopher Caldwell.
“Regular exercise is essential to maintaining personal health and reducing health care costs,” said Katie Cangemi, senior program officer of community investment, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. “BCBSIL is committed to promoting better health in our communities, and this Fitness Court makes it easy for anyone at any fitness level to get a good outdoor workout, connect with neighbors, and stay healthy.”
“We are excited to have the Channahon Park District join us in the journey to improve health and wellness as we work to make a powerful and long lasting impact on health outcomes and happiness by building healthy communities across America,’’ said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. “The addition of the outdoor Fitness Court®, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the Channahon community.”
In addition to celebrating the new Fitness Court®, the Channahon Park District will also commemorate the recent addition of eight pickleball courts, two bocce ball courts, and a sand volleyball court, all located adjacent to the Fitness Court®.
Community members are invited to attend the launch event on August 6 at 4:00 p.m. and experience the new Fitness Court®, pickleball courts, bocce ball courts, and sand volleyball court. The event will feature live demonstrations, free giveaways, and complimentary snow cones. Equipment for all activities will be provided for attendees to use. For more information, visit www.ChannahonPark.org, or contact the Park District at 815-467-7275. For more information on BCBSIL’s support of National Fitness Campaign, please visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/illinois.
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About Channahon Park District
Established by the community on August 13, 1971, the Channahon Park District is a National Gold Medal Award-winning and Illinois Distinguished Accredited agency. The Park District manages more than 500 acres of parkland, 19 parks, and four facilities, serving a community of more than 16,000 residents. According to a recent community survey, 93% of respondents have a favorable opinion of the Park District.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the largest health insurer in Illinois, serving nine million members and operating in all 102 Illinois counties. BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
About National Fitness Campaign
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign is a wellness consulting firm that provides programs and services to cities, schools and sponsors. Our mission is to build healthy communities nationwide. The campaign delivers an integrated wellness initiative, centered around the Fitness Court®– the world's best outdoor gym. National Fitness Campaign is preparing to welcome its 750th healthy community in 2026, as it continues to grow the country’s largest public-private partnership in support of wellness with the goal of building a Fitness Court® within a 10-minute bike ride of every American. Learn more about National Fitness Campaign at nationalfitnesscampaign.com and follow along on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
