Priority Health, City of Farmington celebrate opening of outdoor Fitness Court® in both Shiawassee and Flanders parks
(FARMINGTON, Mich. — August 13, 2025) The City of Farmington; Priority Health, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan; and the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) celebrated the opening of two Priority Health Fitness Courts® August 12 at Shiawassee Park and Flanders Park in Farmington.
Nearly 100 people, including the local running club, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Shiawassee Park, the location of Michigan’s first Fitness Court with a studio addition specially designed for group fitness classes. There are now 29 Priority Health Fitness Courts in Michigan, bringing free access to exercise and overall health and wellness to neighbors across the state.
“Physical activity improves both mental and physical well-being, and Priority Health is thrilled to have the chance to provide easy access and free fitness opportunities in key communities around our state,” said Christa Klein, vice president of client experience at Priority Health. “Community partnerships like this one help create real opportunities for healthier living, and we hope all residents of Farmington will come and try out these two wonderful fitness spaces in their city.”
The City of Farmington is one of 25 Campaign Partners building a network of Fitness Courts across the state, with the help of Priority Health. Last year alone, more than 205,000 Michiganders used the courts, burning more than 51 million calories. See a map of all Priority Health Fitness Courts in Michigan.
Farmington Mayor Joe LaRussa said, “Fitness Courts give us the opportunity to promote public health and recreation at the same time. Whether you’re trying to improve cardiovascular health, keep away from chronic disease or improve your mental health and well-being, being outside and doing exercise is a great way to have fun in Farmington and improve your health.”
This Fitness Court® was developed by the City of Farmington, Priority Health 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 an outdoor gym that lets users leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations. The studio space at the court at Shiawassee Park is for local fitness enthusiasts to host exercise classes and other activities.
Created for adults of all abilities age 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.
“We are excited to have Farmington 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 two outdoor Fitness Courts® to Shiawassee and Flanders parks, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the community.”
About Priority Health
Our members are at the heart of everything we do. With more than 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second-largest health plan in Michigan and the third-largest provider-sponsored health plan in the nation, 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 in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, Priority Health offers a broad network of primary care physicians. 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. Visit the Priority Health newsroom for the latest news.
About the City of Farmington:
Located in the heart of Oakland County, the City of Farmington is a vibrant, historic community known for its charming downtown, strong sense of community, and commitment to high quality of life. Farmington offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, including award-winning schools, beautiful parks, and a thriving arts and cultural scene. The City is dedicated to providing responsive government services, fostering economic development, and enhancing the well-being of all who live, work, and visit.
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 welcomed its 500th healthy community in 2023, 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. Follow along with National Fitness Campaign at nationalfitnesscampaign.com or on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.