MALDEN, MA – May 23, 2023— Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross), City of Malden, Malden Public Schools and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® and community wellness programming to Callahan Park. The Fitness Court, located at 32 Pearl Street will open on Tuesday, May 30 at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Callahan Park, one of the City of Malden’s 30 parks, was selected for its optimal location, easily accessible by public transportation, walking, biking, or driving. Malden High School is less than one mile from the new Fitness Court location, with MacDonald Stadium located right next door.
This Fitness Court was developed by Blue Cross, City of Malden, Malden Public Schools and NFC to expand free access to high quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for students, local residents and visitors. Approximately 50,615 Malden residents will now be within walking or cycling distance of the Fitness Court, 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 aged 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.
“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 at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. “We’re proud to partner with NFC, City of Malden and Malden Public Schools to launch a Fitness Court that will provide Malden residents a communal gathering space and access to premiere free outdoor fitness opportunities.”
Malden is one of 15 outdoor Fitness Courts in a series of Blue Cross Fitness Courts that are currently open or will be constructed in easily accessible public spaces this year. Blue Cross' sponsorship of NFC is part of the company's strengthened corporate citizenship commitment to promote health justice in communities across the Commonwealth. Over the next five years, Blue Cross will provide $16 million in grants and volunteer support to not-for-profits working to address food, environmental and racial justice in Massachusetts communities. This work supports the company's overall pledge to be a leader in addressing health inequities across the Commonwealth.
Mayor Gary Christenson said, “If there is one thing I have realized now that Malden has many great restaurants is that I need an area to work it off so I can maintain my frenetic pace that I keep as Mayor and the addition of this outdoor Fitness Court will help do that for me.”
“The Malden Recreation Department, in collaboration with the Malden Public Schools Athletics and Wellness Department, and of course the City of Malden, is very proud to bring a Fitness Court to Malden,” said Charlie Conefrey, Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health for Malden Public Schools. “Continuing our mission to increase daily physical activity by removing barriers such as the lack of access to state of the art facilities; the Fitness Court brings us one step closer in combating sedentary lifestyles. I’m looking forward to connecting our schools and local community through the vehicle of fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle.”
“National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome the City of Malden to the campaign as a leader in Massachusetts, championing health and wellness for their residents and students alike” said Mitch Menaged, Founder of NFC. “We are proud to continue our mission of getting people moving outdoors and helping communities combat the fiscal and humanitarian costs of inactivity.”
Residents are invited to attend the launch event on Tuesday, May 30 at 10 a.m. to try the Fitness Court. For more information, visit maldenrec.com.
For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts’ support of NFC, please visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/massachusetts.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.org) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, affordable and equitable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
About City of Malden
The City of Malden is a diverse community located just a few miles north of Boston. With a rich history that dates back to the 17th century, Malden seamlessly blends its storied past with modern amenities and a vibrant urban atmosphere. This thriving city offers a perfect balance between urban convenience and suburban charm, making it an ideal place to live, work, and explore. Malden boasts a close-knit community that embraces its cultural diversity, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
About Malden Public Schools
The Malden Public School system serves over 6,500 students through five elementary (K-8) schools, the Pre-K "Early Learning Center" as well as Malden High School, which has one of the most diverse student bodies in Massachusetts with over 70 languages spoken in the homes of students. Malden Public Schools has a dedicated team of educators, state-of-the-art facilities, and focuses on innovation and academic excellence to empower students to reach their full potential.
About NFC
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign (NFC) is a wellness consulting firm that provides programs and services to cities, schools and sponsors with the mission to build healthy communities. NFC delivers an integrated wellness initiative, centered on the world’s best outdoor gym: The Fitness Court®. The Campaign is planning its 500th Healthy Community, uniting 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 us on social media @NatFitCampaign and #Fitnesscourt.
CITY OF MALDEN MEDIA CONTACT: Ron Cochran, rcochran@cityofmalden.org
NFC MEDIA CONTACT: Lindsay Valenti, lindsay@nfchq.com
BLUE CROSS MEDIA CONTACT: Kelsey Pearse, kelsey.pearse@bcbsma.com