Ribbon-cutting ceremony held for new Priority Health Fitness Court near Detroit, bringing free access to exercise for area residents

(WESTLAND, Mich. – July 27, 2023) Priority Health, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan, and the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) continue their commitment to provide free exercise to Michiganders through a newly opened Priority Health Fitness Court® in Westland, Michigan. 

Westland neighborhood residents joined officials from the city and Priority Health for a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 26 at the Fitness Court, located at Virgil R. Gagnon - Jaycee Park. After opening remarks, it was time to exercise! A first-responder fitness challenge took place between Westland police officers and firefighters, and local fitness ambassador Mike Terol and his team from West Fit demonstrated the seven exercise stations. 

The Fitness Court was made possible through a statewide partnership between Priority Health and NFC to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities. 

“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 Westland,” said Joyce Chan Russell, senior vice president of government markets at Priority Health. “Priority Health’s goal is that this Fitness Court provides an opportunity for the residents and community of Westland to live their healthiest lives possible: physically, mentally and socially.”

The new Fitness Court is an open-air wellness center that allows users to leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout. Created with adults of all ages in mind, the Fitness Court is adaptable for all fitness levels. They can also be used in group or solo settings with local volunteer ambassadors leading classes for groups. New and solo users can also 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. 

“By practicing healthy habits with regular exercise on the Fitness Court with bodyweight training, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing disease,” said Michael P. Londeau, City of Westland Mayor. “With access to this Fitness Court right off our Wildwood Bike Lane, we know this location is perfect for every member of our community regardless of their mode of transportation. Adding this Fitness Court to Jaycee Park will continue our mission of providing residents a way to live healthy and positive lives.”

Users of Fitness Courts across the state are seeing results. It’s estimated that more than 33.8 million calories and 9,660 pounds were burned last year alone on the Priority Health Fitness Court network. 

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. 

“National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome the City of Westland 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.”

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.