Grand Blanc community, Priority Health invest in health and wellness with new Priority Health Fitness Court
(GRAND BLANC, Mich. – June 14, 2023) The City of Grand Blanc; Priority Health, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan; and the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) are pleased to announce the opening of an outdoor Priority Health Fitness Court® at 203 E. Grand Blanc Rd. The launch is made possible thanks to the statewide partnership between Priority Health and NFC to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities.
A ribbon-cutting celebration took place June 14 at Dennis S. Smith Park, the location of the new Fitness Court in the heart of downtown Grand Blanc.
“At Priority Health, we believe all people have the right to a healthy life and that’s why we are committed to investing in the community to help reduce barriers to free, accessible fitness and improve wellness for the neighbors of Grand Blanc,” said Praveen Thadani, president of Priority Health. “We are excited to partner with the city of Grand Blanc and the National Fitness Campaign to open this Priority Health Fitness Court as we continue to expand on this initiative across the state.”
Created with adults of all ages in mind, the open-air wellness center allows users to leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout and is adaptable for all fitness levels. The Fitness Court can also be used in group or solo settings with local volunteer ambassadors leading classes for groups. Users can download the free Fitness Court App — a coach-in-your-pocket style platform — that transforms the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness ecosystem. The Fitness Court App is available for iOS and Android.
“National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome the City of Grand Blanc to the campaign as a leader in Michigan, championing health and wellness for their residents,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. “We are proud to continue our mission of getting people moving outdoors and helping communities combat the fiscal and humanitarian costs of inactivity.”
With more than a dozen Priority Health Fitness Courts across Michigan, Priority Health and NFC will open at least 30 additional Fitness Courts by the end of 2025. Priority Health’s mission in this partnership is to increase access to free, high-quality exercise for all people – including those with disabilities. NFC developed the trademarked seven-station system in 2012 to inspire municipalities to transform public spaces into community fitness hubs. NFC's award-winning initiative is now supporting more than 400 healthy communities across America, including cities in Michigan such as Detroit, Grand Rapids, Madison Heights, Highland Park, Lansing, Big Rapids, Traverse City and Saginaw.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer another unique recreation facility in the city,” said Wendy Jean-Buhrer, Grand Blanc city manager. “The new Fitness Court is an excellent destination point for residents who are looking for a free, physical fitness center in the heart of Grand Blanc.”
Support from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and a $10,000 grant from the Grand Blanc Community Fund helped make the project possible. The Fund, made up of committee members from across Grand Blanc, is proud to support the city’s mission and provide added recreational opportunities for area residents.
With 5,410 active users in 2022, it's estimated that over 33.8 million calories and 9,660 pounds are burned in one year on the Priority Health Fitness Court network.
About the City of Grand Blanc:
The continuing mission and purpose of the City of Grand Blanc is to foster community excellence, to enhance the quality of life for all people in the community, and to prepare the community for the future by sharing a strategic vision and a plan of action for improvement in: economic development, infrastructure (including transportation, water and sewage & drainage services), public safety (including police and fire prevention & suppression services), education, health care, culture and recreation.
About NFC:
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign (NFC) is a wellness consulting firm that provides programs and services to cities, schools and sponsors with the mission to build healthy communities. NFC delivers an integrated wellness initiative, centered on the world’s best outdoor gym: The Fitness Court®. The Campaign is planning its 500th Healthy Community, uniting 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. Follow us on social media @NatFitCampaign and #Fitnesscourt.
About Priority Health:
With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.