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Shakopee, Minn. (July 10, 2024) – The City of Shakopee invites community members to join in celebrating the grand opening of a brand new Fitness Court Studio at Scenic Heights Park at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16. 

The new Fitness Court Studio was made possible thanks to a generous sponsorship from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross), a grant from the National Fitness Campaign, a supportive partnership with Scott County, and donations from several community partners. The development of the court will expand access to free, high-quality workouts and foster more equitable access to physical activity. 

“This Fitness Court Studio represents our commitment to create opportunities for everyone to achieve their healthiest life, which is the core mission of Blue Cross,” said Bukata Hayes, vice president of racial and health equity and chief equity officer at Blue Cross. “We are honored to play an integral role in providing the Shakopee community with a barrier-free, equitable opportunity for physical activity to create positive health outcomes.”

The Fitness Court Studio delivers a powerful seven-minute full-body workout on one side and a versatile outdoor class area for enjoying yoga, Zumba, Pilates, and other popular group wellness activities on the opposite side. 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 fortunate in Shakopee to have a lot of options for free outdoor recreation, and I am thrilled to add this Fitness Court to our offerings,” said Shakopee Parks and Recreation Director Kelsi McNutt. 

Shakopee is one of many cities that will soon be benefitting from expanded access to affordable exercise. The Blue Cross sponsorship will accommodate up to 10 Fitness Court sites throughout Minnesota, with the first court having opened in July 2023 in Willmar. The health plan is placing racial and health equity at the center of its support through accessible fitness opportunities that will benefit a wide range of communities both geographically and culturally that have been historically undeserved. Tsis tas li ntawd xwb, Blue Cross tseem hais txog kev ua kom zoo nkauj hauv zej zog nrog Lub Chaw Nyom Ib Ce qhov chaw tsim qauv los ntawm cov neeg ua yeeb yam hauv zej zog. 

In Shakopee, Jimmy Longoria was selected to have his work featured as a permanent aspect of the Fitness Court Studio. Longoria described this project as an affair of the heart. His art frequently features horses, tractors, and strong women. The imagery captures the transition of Shakopee from farming to an inter-connected residential village.

"'Celebrating Shakopee' is a recognition of the cultural maturity of a very dynamic community," Longoria stated about his mural. "The concept of an open air fitness center in a community with a varied age grouping is a marvelous way to create a gathering place for Shakopee residents."

The National Fitness Campaign’s ultimate goal is to build a Fitness Court within a 10-minute bike ride of everyone in the country. 

"National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome Scott County and the City of Shakopee to the campaign as a leading partner in Minnesota, championing mental and physical health for their residents," said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. "The addition of the Fitness Court Studio, local artwork and digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the community."

Fitness Court Grand Opening Event Details
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16
Scenic Heights Park, 1195 Ruby Lane, Shakopee, MN 55379
Limited parking in lot, more parking available on side streets

1:30 p.m.: Welcome and remarks from various public and private partners
1:55 p.m.: Ribbon cutting
2 p.m.: Fitness Court demonstration and Police vs. Fire relay race through the court stations
2:30 p.m.: Free 10-minute fitness classes in both English and Spanish will be offered until the event concludes at 3:30 p.m.

For more information on the work Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is doing in support of NFC, please visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/minnesota.