The Town of Dracut just became more fit with the official opening of its outdoor Fitness Court at Veterans Park.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBS), the Town of Dracut, and National Fitness Campaign (NFC)today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court to Dracut. The Fitness Court, at Veterans Park is now open to all residents, and had its official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, November 1st at 12 PM.
Learn more about the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Dracut's new Fitness Court at Veterans Park.
The Fitness Court was developed by Blue Cross, the Town of Dracut and NFC to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities across Massachusetts. The Fitness Court lets people use their own body weight to experience a complete workout using seven exercise stations. 
The workouts, created for ages 14 and older of all abilities, are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users can also download the free Fitness Court App, which enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience.
“Blue Cross is committed to helping people live healthy lives and eliminating the physical and social barriers that lead to health disparities,” said Jeff Bellows, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. “We’re proud to partner with NFC and the Town of Dracut to launch a Fitness Court that will provide Dracut residents a communal gathering space and access to premier free outdoor fitness opportunities.”
Dracut is one of 15 Blue Cross Fitness Courts currently open, or under construction, in easily accessible public spaces. Blue Cross’ sponsorship of NFC is part of the company’s strengthened corporate citizenship commitment to promote health justice in communities across Massachusetts.
Over the next five years, Blue Cross plans to provide $16 million in grants and volunteer support to nonprofit organizations working to address food, environmental and racial injustice in Massachusetts communities. This work supports the company’s overall pledge to be a leader in addressing health inequities across the state.
“National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome the Town of Dracut to the campaign as a leader in Massachusetts, championing health and wellness for its 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.”
Fig.1- Students from Dracut High School demonstrate how to work the various stations at Dracut’s Fitness Court, now open to the public at Veterans Park.
(PHOTO BY PAULA CHAUSSE).Several town and state dignitaries spoke at the event on November 1, all of them taking time to thank Blue Cross Blue Shield for its generous grant, which, along with a commitment by Dracut Town Meeting of Community Preservation funds, helped pay for the apparatus.
Town Manager Ann Vandal thanked Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts’ Adam Thornton, who was on hand for the opening.
“Your partnership has been instrumental in making this campaign a resounding success,” Vandal said, “and it wouldn’t have been possible without your unwavering dedication to the cause of promoting healthier lives. … The positive impact of this equipment will be felt for years to come.”
The Fitness Court allows people to use their own body weight to experience a complete workout using seven exercise stations. The workouts, created for ages 14 and older of all abilities, are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users can also download the free Fitness Court App, which enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience.
Fig.2- From left at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Dracut’s Fitness Court are Selectman Jennifer Kopcinski; Selectmen Chair Alison Genest; Adam Thornton of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts; Town Manager Ann Vandal; State Rep. Colleen Garry; State Sen. Edward Kennedy; and Assistant Town Manager Victor Garofalo.
(PHOTO BY JEROME THOMAS).The Fitness Court includes a QR code that can be used to download instructions on how to use the seven stations.
Town Manager Ann Vandal, Assistant Town Manager Victor Garofalo and Human Resources Generalist Sabrina Vozzella worked for about a year with Blue Cross Blue Shield, National Fitness Campaign and the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, the town’s municipal insurance provider, to make the Fitness Court a reality.
“We appreciate Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for their support in bringing this important program to our community, and for recognizing the need to support healthy lifestyles for all Bay Staters,” Garofalo said.
State Rep. Colleen Garry of Dracut said the town and Blue Cross Blue Shield, have created another outlet for residents to improve their health, noting that the Fitness Court is adjacent to the walking path at Veterans Park.
“So many people walk around the track for their cardio, and now they can get their strength training in,” Rep. Garry said.
State Sen. Edward Kennedy noted that the Fitness Court, in addition to being centrally located, “will enhance the enjoyment of Veterans Park for the residents of Dracut and surrounding communities.”
Blue Cross’ sponsorship of National Fitness Campaign is part of the company’s strengthened corporate citizenship commitment to promote health justice in communities across Massachusetts.