(Fort Scott, KS - June 29, 2026) —City of Fort Scott, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® and digital wellness programming to the City of Fort Scott. The Fitness Court®, located at Buck Run Community Center, will open July 9th at 10am with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
This Fitness Court® was developed by the City of Fort Scott, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, 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.City of Fort Scott is one of 15+ Campaign Partners building a network of Fitness Courts across the state, with the help of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.
“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. We are grateful to everyone who helped turn this vision into a reality.” — Brad Matkin, City Manager, City of Fort Scott
“We need more innovative solutions to address the physical activity needs of all Kansans. Solutions that will level the playing field and allow everyone a safe place to enjoy the outdoors and improve their health,” said Virginia Barnes, director of Blue Health Initiatives at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. “We believe that all people deserve this opportunity, and we are proud to partner with Fort Scott/Bourbon County and NFC to show our commitment to improving the health of all Kansans.”
“We are excited to haveCity of Fort Scott 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 Fort Scott community.”
Residents are invited to attend the launch event on July 9th at 10am to try the Fitness Court®. For more information contact City Hall at 620 223 0550.For more information on BCBSKS support of NFC, please visit https://nationalfitnesscampaign.com/kansas.
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About City of Fort Scott
Founded in 1842 as a frontier military post, Fort Scott has played a significant role in the history of Kansas and the nation. From its origins as a U.S. Army fort to its contributions during the Civil War and westward expansion, Fort Scott has long been a place where history and progress intersect. Today, the City of Fort Scott is home to a vibrant community that values its rich heritage while embracing opportunities for growth and innovation. Through dedicated public service, community partnerships, and responsible stewardship, the City remains committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. For more information about the City of Fort Scott, visit www.fscity.org.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
For more than 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while quickly and accurately processing claims; fairly administering benefit plans and contracts; offering programs, services and tools to help members improve or maintain their health; and operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information, visit www.bcbsks.com.
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 2025, 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.
