By Karen Haave
Crete Park District officials celebrated the grand opening of their stunning new Fitness Court this month with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, demonstrations, and a friendly competition at Swiss Valley Park.
The Fitness Court was made possible with a grant from the National Fitness Campaign and Blue Cross Blue Shield and is designed as an open-air fitness circuit for all ages and abilities. It is just the first phase of the district’s plans for the park.
The Fitness Court features state-of-the-art equipment designed to offer a comprehensive full-body workout experience. It was developed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Crete Park District, and National Fitness Campaign to expand free access to high quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities around the state.
It is described as “the world’s best outdoor gym that lets people use their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations.”
Created with people ages 14 and over and 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.
“With seven distinct movements, including core exercises, squats, pushes, lunges, pulls, agility drills, and bends, the court will cater to all fitness levels,” noted Jamie Healy, administrative assistant for Crete Park District. “Among the equipment available are Plyo Boxes, Bend Box stations, rings and pull-up bars, push-up bars, and agility squares and dots on the flooring, ensuring a varied and effective workout session.”
Healy said the Crete Park District “considers the Fitness Court a significant addition to our park system, aimed at encouraging the community to reconnect with nature through physical exercise. The Fitness Court offers an inclusive opportunity for our community to engage in physical fitness, promoting a better quality of life without any barriers.”
“Our Grand Opening was a huge success,” she continued.
“Superintendent of Recreation Janel Geary and other team members have been working with the National Fitness Campaign to bring this court to Crete.
“We had about 60 people attend, despite the threat of rain. Kerry Morgan, from Crete Park Pals Foundation, shared how their non-profit organization has raised funds to help make the fitness court a reality.”
The group continues to fundraise for Crete Park District, with annual events, including the Grinch Breakfast at Crete Country Christmas and the Bunny Breakfast in the spring.
During the grand opening ceremony, Healy said, guests also heard from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and the National Fitness Campaign, as they spoke about the importance of accessible fitness and expressed their enthusiasm for the newly installed Fitness Court.
“Laura Stawicki, Crete Park Board President, shared words of gratitude and excitement before cutting the ribbon, while being accompanied by Nutty the Squirrel – Crete Park District’s mascot – and Blue Bear, BCBS of Illinois’ mascot.
“A fun push-up contest was held between Crete Police and Crete Fire. Our Fitness Court Ambassadors, Tyler Belton, Gigi Wong-Monaco, and Zak McGathey, demonstrated various levels of fitness for all seven stations, proving all skill levels can work out at the new fitness court. After the demonstrations, everyone was invited to give the court a try.
“A special thank you to our sponsors, Crete Park Pals Foundation, H3 Concrete, Welsch Ready Mix, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois for helping us make this project a reality.”
Among those attending the grand opening were representatives from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, the National Fitness Campaign, community members, Crete Police Department, Crete Fire Department, Crete Township, Crete-Monee 201-U Board of Education, Crete Library, Crete Park Pals Foundation, Will County Coroner Laurie Summers and Deputy Coroner/Chicago Heights Park Commissioner Michele Baikauskas, and Illinois State Representatives Jackie Haas and Anthony DeLuca.