The Harvest Foundation provided matching grants from The National Fitness Campaign for two accessible outdoor fitness courts, includes access to free expert training app
Martinsville, Va. — A new state-of-the-art outdoor fitness court opened Tuesday in Henry County at the Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex, and one is on its way to Martinsville through funding from the National Fitness Campaign and matching grants from The Harvest Foundation.
The Harvest Foundation provided $75,000 to the County of Henry and $70,000 to the City of Martinsville, which were matched with grants of $50,000 to the county and $40,000 to the city from the National Fitness Campaign. The outdoor fitness court is part of a national public/private wellness partnership to build the Fitness Court Network.
“Revitalizing Martinsville-Henry County through accessible fitness opportunities is a great way to enhance healthy outcomes and improve the quality of life for our community,” said Dr. Sandy Strayer, program officer at The Harvest Foundation. “Taking into account our overall county health indicators and the need to combat our community’s health disparities, these fitness courts are a place for families and friends to meet, be social, and connect through increased physical activity. Fitness courts don’t just build our strength — they build healthy, vibrant communities that we’re proud to call home.”
According to data compiled by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, Henry County ranked 119 and the City of Martinsville ranked 130 out of 133 localities in Virginia regarding health outcomes. The average life expectancy in Virginia is 79.1 years compared to 74.4 years in Henry County and 67.2 in Martinsville.
Strayer added, “These sobering health statistics underscore our urgent need as a community to think outside of the box and pursue interventions that promote physical activity, weight loss and stress reduction. We hope the fitness court will be a gathering place where everyone feels welcome and supported in their journey toward better health.”
The planned fitness courts are designed to provide a full-body workout in only seven minutes. It focuses on seven zones for everyday health: core, squat, push, lunge, pull, agility, and bend. There is a free app for Apple and Android devices that will act as a personal trainer, guiding users through each workout for success.
Garrett Dillard, Henry County supervisor of the Iriswood District, said he hopes this project will create a more health-conscious community throughout the county.
“I’m really looking forward to this creating conversation and an atmosphere in Henry County for people who want to exercise more,” Dillard said. “I think this is a good step in the right direction and I see many possibilities. I hope this will get people to think more about healthy living and hopefully, this will create more conversations, not just about exercise, but eating right as well. I’m excited about this project. I’m excited it is in the Iriswood District. We can be that catalyst for healthy living in Henry County. I’d like to thank our administrative staff and the Harvest Foundation, who have been instrumental in making this happen.”
In Martinsville, the fitness court will be located at Baldwin Park (500 Swanson St., Martinsville, VA 24112). Martinsville Mayor LC Jones said, “The City of Martinsville is committed to fostering healthier lifestyles among its citizens and is excited to unveil the new fitness court at the historic Baldwin Memorial Park. This innovative outdoor fitness venture involves repurposing an underutilized tennis court into a cutting-edge fitness facility, providing complimentary access to adults of all ages and abilities. This fitness amenity will enhance our citizens’ health and serve as a platform for community connection and unity.”
The fitness court at the sports complex is open and ready for visitors. The Martinsville location is on track to be completed by early to mid-2025, depending on weather conditions and the availability of contractors. Visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com to find out more about the National Fitness Campaign and the Fitness Courts Network.
