(Kewanee, IL - August 20, 2026) — Kewanee Community School District, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® and digital wellness programming to Kewanee High School. The Fitness Court®, located at 1001 N Main Street, will open August 24, 2026 at 3:00 PM with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
This Fitness Court® was developed by Kewanee Community School 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. Kewanee High School is one of 30+ Campaign Partners building a network of Fitness Courts across the state, with the help of BCBSIL
This launch ceremony is part of a larger project that includes the addition of six tennis courts to the David L. Sprague Tennis Center. Dr. Jeff Johnson, Board President for the District, and Sue Blake, local artist and retired Kewanee High School Art Instructor whose butterfly mural artwork is featured on the back wall of the Fitness Court, will give remarks as part of the ceremony. The Kewanee Community School District PE Department will demonstrate how to use the Fitness Court stations.
“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 Kewanee Community School 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 Kewanee community.”
Residents are invited to attend the launch event on August 24, 2026 at 3:00 PM to try the Fitness Court®. For more information, contact Kewanee Community School District at (309) 853-3341. For more information on BCBSIL’s support of National Fitness Campaign, please visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/illinois.
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About Kewanee Community School District
Kewanee Community School District, in an active partnership with parents and community, will promote excellence in a caring environment in which all students learn and grow. This partnership aims to empower all students to develop strong self-respect and to become responsible learners and decision-makers. Kewanee Community School District is committed to developing and using a visionary and innovative curriculum, a knowledgeable and dedicated staff, and sound fiscal and management practices.
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.
