Residents of Le Roy and surrounding Central Illinois communities will soon have a new opportunity to exercise outdoors for free through a partnership between the City of Le Roy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL), and the National Fitness Campaign.
The organizations are bringing a state-of-the-art Fitness Court® to Gaultney Memorial Park, located at 702 N. Buck St. The new outdoor fitness facility is scheduled to officially open Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at 10 a.m.
The grand opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, fitness ambassador demonstrations, the Le Roy Fitness Challenge, and a Health & Fitness Fair. Local health and fitness organizations, including the McLean County Mobile Health Clinic, Aanaya Pharmacy and RePlex Recreation Center, are expected to participate.
The Fitness Court is designed to provide free access to high-quality exercise opportunities for people ages 14 and older and of all fitness levels. The outdoor gym uses seven exercise stations and body-weight exercises to provide a full-body workout.
Participants will be able to exercise at their own pace, with workouts adaptable to different abilities. A free Fitness Court app will also be available to provide guided workouts and additional digital wellness programming.
Le Roy is one of more than 30 communities in Illinois participating in the National Fitness Campaign’s statewide network of Fitness Courts, with support from BCBSIL.
“Le Roy has a long history of robust, community centered public spaces,” Mayor Steve Dean said. “This investment into Gaultney Memorial Park creates a unique space that reflects the health and community centered focus that makes Le Roy an amazing place to shop, visit, and live.”
Katie Cangemi, senior program officer of community investment for BCBSIL, said the project is intended to make exercise more accessible to residents.
“Regular exercise is essential to maintaining personal health and reducing health care costs,” Cangemi said. “BCBSIL is committed to promoting better health in our communities, and this Fitness Court makes it easy for anyone at any fitness level to get a good outdoor workout, connect with neighbors, and stay healthy.”
National Fitness Campaign founder Mitch Menaged said Le Roy’s participation reflects the community’s commitment to health and wellness.
“The addition of the outdoor Fitness Court®, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the Le Roy and wider McLean County community,” Menaged said.
Residents are invited to attend the Sept. 12 launch and try the new Fitness Court. The event begins at 10 a.m. at Gaultney Memorial Park.
For more information, residents can contact Le Roy City Hall at 309-962-3031 or visit the city’s Facebook page. Information about BCBSIL’s support of the National Fitness Campaign is available through the campaign’s Illinois website.
