September 16, 2026

SVSU launches Priority Health Fitness Court®

Outdoor fitness facility expands access to exercise for the region

Saginaw Valley State University, with support from Priority Health and the National Fitness Campaign, has made a new investment in the fitness, health and wellbeing of the campus community and the wider region. The University will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of the new SVSU Priority Health Fitness Court® Studio on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 4:30 p.m. The Fitness Court® is located near the main entrance of SVSU, west of Bachand Hall. Parking is in H lot. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, SVSU will celebrate the grand opening of SVSU's new Center for Community Engagement and Experiential Learning, in Bachand Hall, at 5:00 p.m.

The Fitness Court® is a free outdoor gym that provides a full-body workout in as little as seven minutes, featuring seven stations with simple apparatus designed for body weight exercises: core, squat, push, lunge, pull, agility and bend.

The SVSU Priority Health Fitness Court® was developed by SVSU, Priority Health and the National Fitness Campaign to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for people throughout the region. SVSU received a $50,000 grant from NFC and Priority Health as part of the 2025 Priority Health – MI Healthy Campus Campaign to bring the Fitness Court® to SVSU. It will be managed by the Center for Community Engagement and Experiential Learning.

“Saginaw Valley State University is committed to promoting health, wellness, physical activity and learning on campus and throughout the communities we serve,” said Dawn Hinton, SVSU associate provost. “The SVSU Priority Health Fitness Court® is our latest initiative to positively impact the wellbeing of our region.”

The Fitness Court is designed for adults of all abilities age 14+. Workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users also may download the free Fitness Court® App, which features trainers who lead short, ability-based workouts, enhancing the wellness experience. SVSU is one of 30+ campaign partners building a network of Fitness Courts across the state, with the help of Priority Health.

“At Priority Health, we believe all people have the right to a healthy life and that’s why we are committed to investing in the community to help reduce barriers to free, accessible fitness and improve wellness for the neighbors of Saginaw Valley State University,” said Nick Gates, president of Priority Health. “We are excited to partner with SVSU and the National Fitness Campaign to open this Priority Health Fitness Court where people can stay active, connect with others and prioritize their health.”

“We are excited to have SVSU join us in the journey to improve health and wellness as we work to make a powerful and long-lasting impact on health outcomes and happiness by building healthy communities across America,’’ said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. “The addition of the outdoor Fitness Court®, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the community.”

The public is invited to attend the launch event on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 4:30 p.m. to try the Fitness Court®. For more information, visit https://www.svsu.edu/communityengagement/. For more information on Priority Health’s support of NFC, please visit https://www.nationalfitnesscampaign.com/michigan.