Free outdoor gym provides an accessible wellness space for the public, with access from the Perkiomen Trail
Today, Independence Blue Cross (IBX) joined Ursinus College students, alumni, and college representatives, along with local elected officials, for the ribbon-cutting of a new outdoor Fitness Court® on the school’s campus. This new space provides free, high-quality workouts and digital wellness programs, making fitness more accessible and equitable for everyone in the community.
“For nearly 90 years, Independence Blue Cross has invested in initiatives that help people across our region live healthier lives, and this new Fitness Court brings that commitment to life at Ursinus College. We value our ties to the college, including the Ursinus graduates working at IBX, and are excited to deepen the IBX connection with the campus and region,” said Mitch Vidovich, vice president of Government and External Affairs at Independence Blue Cross.
Vidovich joined Ursinus leaders in welcoming the community to the Fitness Court, including:
- Gundolf Graml, Ph.D, Ursinus president
- David Rosvold, M.D., retired cardiologist, Ursinus trustee, and donor
- Michelle Yurko, Ursinus vice president for external relations and strategic initiatives
“We are excited to host a common space for the Fitness Court and welcome our neighbors to interact with students, faculty, and staff,” said Dr. Graml. “Opening college spaces to the community builds vital connections, boosts local culture, and helps institutions act as shared public assets, an essential connection in today’s higher education environment. Ursinus has thoughtfully designed our outdoor spaces to encourage continued learning outside the classroom while knitting together a diverse group of people and creating a sense of community.”
The project was made possible through a grant from IBX as part of the insurer’s collaboration with the National Fitness Campaign to expand access to fitness courts across Pennsylvania. Additional support came from alumni, including William Norcross ’70, the Class of 1970, William Rheiner ’57, David ’80 and Elizabeth ’81 Rosvold, and Joyce Sipple ’59, and PepsiCo.
Located adjacent to the Floy Lewis Bakes Center on the Ursinus campus, the Fitness Court is a modern outdoor circuit training center that allows users to complete a full-body workout in as little as seven minutes at seven stations. Montgomery County community members can access the Fitness Court from the Perkiomen Trail, a scenic 20-mile multi-use rail trail that borders the rear of the campus and runs just a few blocks from Main Street in Collegeville.
Created for adults aged 14+ of all abilities, the Fitness Court workouts are adaptable to all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users may also download the free Fitness Court App, which serves as a coach-in-your-pocket.
For more information on Independence Blue Cross’s support of NFC, please visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/pennsylvania.
