The City of Reno has opened the first of two new outdoor fitness courts in partnership with Renown Health and the National Fitness Campaign, aimed at making exercise more accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
The Fitness Courts, located at Brodhead Park and Damonte Ranch Park, are outdoor circuit-style areas offering a full-body workout using only body weight. Each court features seven stations focused on core, squat, push, lunge, pull, agility, and bend exercises.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held earlier this week at Brodhead Park, where Reno Vice Mayor Kathleen Taylor and representatives from Renown Health celebrated the debut of the new court.
“I am truly excited to welcome these new fitness courts to our community and to our City’s parks,” said Taylor. “This is an example of how the City creatively leverages grants and partnerships, like those with Renown Health and the National Fitness Campaign, to expand opportunities for our residents and promote a healthier, more active community.”
The courts were made possible through a $120,000 grant from the National Fitness Campaign’s 2024 Renown Health Nevada Campaign Grant, along with $294,000 in additional city funding through the Residential Construction Tax.
Renown Health President and CEO Brian Erling emphasized the benefits of access to parks and recreational spaces.
“Proximity to exercise opportunities, such as parks and recreation facilities, has been linked to an increase in physical activity among residents,” said Erling. “Regular physical activity has a wide array of health benefits, including weight control, muscle and bone strengthening, improved mental health and mood, and improved life expectancy. We are proud to facilitate the development of these fitness courts in Nevada and bring additional access to exercise opportunities, at no charge, to everyone in our community.”
These are the eighth and ninth Fitness Courts Renown has helped launch in Nevada. Additional courts are under construction in Fallon and West Wendover.
To help people get started, each court includes a QR code linking to free digital workouts. River Rangers will also be on site every Saturday morning through October at 9 a.m. to assist with app usage and exercises, in an effort to promote the courts and encourage year-round use.
The second court will officially open during a Community Fitness Day at Damonte Ranch Park on Saturday, September 27, starting at 9 a.m.
Ward 6 Councilmember Brandi Anderson will be on hand, joined by Renown South Meadows CEO Sam Weller and other Renown representatives.
“This new Fitness Court at Damonte Ranch Park is a great addition to this outdoor space that is enjoyed by so many in our community,” said Anderson. “I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone of all ages and abilities to this free Community Fitness Day on September 27.”
Saturday’s event will include family-friendly activities such as face painting provided by Renown Health, music, and a fitness challenge between members of Reno’s Police and Fire Departments. Free paletas will be available while supplies last.
“The addition of the outdoor Fitness Courts, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and well-being within the community,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of the National Fitness Campaign.