(Topeka, Kansas, October 2026) —Topeka Public Schools USD 501, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® and digital wellness programming to Topeka Public Schools at Quinton Heights.
The Fitness Court®, located at Quinton Heights Welcome Center (2331 SW Topeka Blvd), will open on Thursday, October 15, at 4:00 PM with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This Fitness Court® was developed by Topeka Public Schools, BCBSKS 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. Topeka Public Schools is one of 15+ Campaign Partners building a network of Fitness Courts across the state, with the help of BCBSKS.
“It is a privilege to partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and the many other organizations to promote healthy communities by creating accessible Fitness Courts in areas around the state,” said Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools. “The district Welcome Center, where many of our families meet for their Parents as Teachers events, is a wonderful location that offers access to community exercise equipment. Healthy schools begin with healthy communities, and this free community fitness equipment located where families enroll in school expands access to outdoor fitness and encourages healthy outcomes for families. We thank Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and National Fitness Campaign for their investment in the community.”
“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 Topeka Public Schools and NFC to show our commitment to improving the health of all Kansans.”
“We are excited to have Topeka Public Schools 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 well-being within the Topeka community.”
Topeka residents are invited to attend the launch event on Thursday, October 15, at 4:00 PM to try the Fitness Court®. For more information, please contact Topeka Public Schools representative, Dr. Aarion L. Gray, at agray@tps501.org.
For more information about how BCBSKS supports NFC, please visit https://nationalfitnesscampaign.com/kansas.
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About Topeka Public Schools
Topeka Public Schools (TPS), Unified School District 501, is committed to providing an innovative, equitable, and high-quality education that prepares every student for success in college, career, and life. Serving approximately 13,000 students across the Topeka community, TPS offers a wide range of academic, career and technical education, fine arts, athletics, and college and career readiness opportunities designed to meet the diverse needs of students and families. Through strong partnerships with families, businesses, and community organizations, Topeka Public Schools works to ensure every student has access to the resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to thrive. For more information, visit www.topekapublicschools.net.
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.
