Richton Park Prioritizes Community Health with New Fitness Court

Last month, the Village of Richton Park hosted an exclusive ribbon cutting to unveil their much anticipated outdoor Fitness Court at Pierce Park - improving and enhancing the quality of life for residents. This capital project was a featured part of the 2025 initiative launched by National Fitness Campaign (NFC), a nationwide wellness consulting firm that partners with municipalities and schools to plan, build and fund Healthy Communities. NFC's award-winning initiative has planned more than 500 Healthy Communities and is poised to deliver vital outdoor wellness programs helping to fight the rising fiscal and humanitarian costs of physical inactivity. This year, Richton Park and dozens of other select recipients from around the country were awarded a $50,000 grant from NFC to help support the program.

"This is an excellent opportunity to connect and engage the residents of Richton Park, all while promoting a fun, active, and healthier lifestyle," says Village President Rick Reinbold. "We are extremely grateful to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and NFC for assisting us in kick-starting this initiative and being able to bring such a valued amenity to the Village."

The new Fitness Court at Pierce Park was built to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise. This court is the world's best outdoor gym and allows users to leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout using just seven stations. Created with people age 14+ with all abilities in mind, the 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.

"We are excited to have Richton Park join us in the journey to health and wellness as we make a positive impact building healthy infrastructure across America,'' said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. "The addition of the Fitness Court along with digital wellness programming demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the community."

"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. "Blue Cross 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."

Residents are invited to attend the Opening Day Launch Event June 18th at 10:00am to try the Fitness Court and learn about upcoming community wellness events and programming. For more information, please visit https://richtonpark.org/FitnessCourt