Local residents will soon have a new option when it comes to health and fitness.
This week, construction was completed on a new outdoor fitness court near Buck Run Community Center. The city of Fort Scott received a $50,000 grant through the National Fitness Campaign working with Blue Cross Blue Shield to build the court, which features fitness equipment and an outdoor studio for classes such as Zumba and yoga, supported by an app for exercise instruction and challenges.
On Friday, Fort Scott Community Relations Director Rachel Carpenter said city officials will schedule a ribbon cutting on Monday to announce completion of the court and that the public can begin using the amenity.
“Right now, it’s closed until the ribbon cutting because of grant requirements,” Carpenter said.
Carpenter said the project was sponsored by the Fort Scott Recreation Department and Fort Scott Area Community Foundation. Local artist Stephen Toal designed the mural featured on the court, while Dallas Smith of Fort Scott, owner of Nitro Promotions, installed the graphic. Playscape Recreation, LLC of Yates Center installed the equipment.
Carpenter discussed the purpose of the fitness court and how it can be used. She said the court will be free to the public to use at any time and there is no reservation system. One side of the court features pull-up bars, rings, blocks and other equipment for workouts, while the opposite side will be used for studio space.
“It’s all body weight, on a 7-minute circuit,” she said, adding an app is available to be downloaded to use the equipment and track workouts.
Carpenter said the city partnered with Buck Run to organize classes for pilates, yogo and other styles. Residents can visit Buck Run’s social media page for available classes. One fitness class is already scheduled for June 26.
Carpenter also explained the origins of the project. She said the National Fitness Campaign contacted city officials in late 2025 and “pushed us to apply for the grant.” One goal was to potentially draw more people to Fort Scott.
“We were lucky enough to get awarded,” she said. “We just wanted to prioritize our citizens’ health and bring in another asset and hopefully attract more visitors to use that fitness court.”
Carpenter said there are two similar fitness courts in region – one in Iola and another in Parsons.