The City of Midland, in collaboration with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) and the National Fitness Campaign (NFC), is set to unveil a new outdoor Fitness Court at Dennis the Menace Park. The launch event, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, will take place on March 5 at 11 a.m.
This initiative aims to provide free access to quality workouts for the community, promoting equitable exercise opportunities. The Fitness Court features seven exercise stations that allow users to leverage their body weight for comprehensive workouts. Designed for individuals aged 14 and above, the exercises are adaptable to different fitness levels. Additionally, users can enhance their experience with the free Fitness Court App, which offers digital coaching support.
Midland Mayor Lori Blong expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "The City of Midland is fortunate to partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and National Fitness Campaign on The Fitness Court at Dennis the Menace Park." She emphasized that this facility aligns with community goals to promote health by providing residents an opportunity for physical activity.
Dr. Mark Chassay, chief medical officer at BCBSTX, highlighted the broader benefits of physical activity: “In addition to improvement in physical health, physical activity improves behavioral health conditions and can foster opportunities to make new social connections.” He noted that nearly half of U.S. adults do not engage in sufficient daily physical activity and stated that supporting these Fitness Courts helps improve health outcomes for Texans.
Mitch Menaged, founder of NFC, commented on Midland's involvement: “We are excited to have the City of Midland join us in the journey to improve health and wellness as we work to make a powerful and long-lasting impact on health outcomes.”
Residents interested in experiencing the new facility are invited to attend its opening. Further details about BCBSTX’s involvement with NFC can be found online.