A Windy Morning, A Strong Start
New Fitness Court opens at Wylie High School with energy, partnership, and Bulldog pride
On a West Texas morning where the wind had a little extra to say, the Wylie High School campus leaned into it anyway. Hair blew, the ribbon danced in the wind, and just beyond the gusts, something meaningful took shape.
The Wylie Pure Gold Band carried across the air as teachers, students, and community members gathered for the ribbon cutting of the new Fitness Court. It felt like one of those moments you tuck away - simple, joyful, and unmistakably Wylie.
At the center of it all stood a partnership that came together over the past several months. Thanks to a grant and collaboration with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and the National Fitness Campaign, Wylie ISD now has a state-of-the-art outdoor fitness space designed for movement, connection, and everyday wellness.
“The investment reflects our commitment to the health and well-being of our students, staff, and community,” Superintendent Joey Light shared. “We are excited to provide a space that encourages movement, wellness, and connection for years to come.”
The Voice of the Bulldogs, Andy Penney, kept the morning moving as emcee, while mascots Spike and Spike brought their usual playful energy. Even the Blue Bear from BCBSTX made an appearance, adding a few smiles along the way.
But perhaps the most powerful moment came when students took the spotlight.
Wylie powerlifting athletes stepped forward as fitness ambassadors, demonstrating each station with confidence and strength. No speeches needed in that moment - just action. Just example.
Aleah Ewing from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas reminded those gathered that wellness is not just about today, but about building habits that last. A simple idea, really - move more, live well, take care of what matters.
And then came the countdown.
A ribbon stretched tight in the wind, gold scissors raised, a quick cheer - and just like that, it was open.
Students laughed as they tested the equipment. Staff lingered a little longer than planned. Conversations picked up where workouts left off. The space was already doing what it was meant to do.
Because sometimes the best kind of investment isn’t just in facilities. It’s in moments like these - where a community gathers, a new chapter begins, and a simple invitation is extended to everyone: come outside, move a little, stay awhile.
That’s the kind of thing that sticks.
And it’s one more reason why it’s great to be a Wylie Bulldog.
Additional Photos and the Full Press Release Below:
For Immediate Release
May 4, 2026
Wylie ISD Welcomes New Fitness Court with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and National Fitness Campaign
State-of-the-Art Outdoor Fitness Court® Coming to Wylie ISD
Wylie ISD Media Contact
Mike Thompson
mike.thompson@wyliebulldogs.org
BCBSTX Media Contact
Tamara Gibson
media@bcbstx.com
NFC Media Contact
Sarah Morgan
831-601-2438
Abilene, TX — Wylie ISD, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® and digital wellness programming to Wylie ISD. The Fitness Court®, located at Wylie High School, will open May 4th at 8:20am with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
This Fitness Court® was developed by Wylie ISD, BCBSTX, and NFC to expand access to high-quality workouts and create equitable opportunities for exercise through student wellness and campus fitness initiatives. The Fitness Court® is the world’s best outdoor gym that lets users leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations.
Created for adults of all abilities aged 14+, the Fitness Court® 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 acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience. Wylie ISD is one of 50+ Campaign Partners building a network of Fitness Courts across the state, with the help of BCBSTX.
“We are proud to partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and National Fitness Campaign to bring the Fitness Court to Wylie ISD,” said Superintendent Joey Light. “This investment reflects our commitment to the health and well-being of our students, staff, and community. We are excited to provide a space that encourages movement, wellness, and connection for years to come.”
“In addition to improvement in physical health, physical activity improves behavioral health conditions and can foster opportunities to make new social connections,” said Dr. Mark Chassay, chief medical officer at BCBSTX, “About half of U.S. adults are not getting enough physical activity in their daily lives. Helping fund these Fitness Courts is just one example of how we can support optimal health outcomes for all Texans, right in their own communities.”
“We are excited to have Wylie ISD 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 Wylie community.”
For more information, contact Wylie ISD at 325-255-1900. For more information on BCBSTX’s support of NFC, please visit https://www.nationalfitnesscampaign.com/texas.
About Wylie Independent School District
Wylie Independent School District has proudly served students and families since 1902 and is a fast-growing public school district in the Big Country region of West Texas. Located in Abilene, Wylie ISD serves more than 5,500 students, including approximately 1,100 military-connected students and families. Known for academic excellence, strong extracurricular programs, and a supportive community, Wylie ISD provides opportunities for students from early childhood through high school. The district prepares learners for college, careers, military service, and life beyond graduation through innovative academics, athletics, fine arts, and Career and Technical Education programs. With continued growth, modern facilities, and a commitment to excellence, Wylie ISD remains dedicated to helping every student thrive in a safe, engaging, and future-focused learning environment.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
Celebrating 95 years of helping improve the health of Texans, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas — the only statewide, customer-owned health insurer in Texas — is the largest provider of health benefits in the state, working with more than 168,000 physicians and health care practitioners, and 550 hospitals to serve eight million members in all 254 counties. BCBSTX is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation (which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Texas, Illinois, Montana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico). Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
About National Fitness Campaign
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign (NFC) is a wellness consulting firm that provides programs and services to cities, schools and sponsors. Our mission is to build healthy communities nationwide. The campaign delivers an integrated wellness initiative, centered around the Fitness Court – the world's best outdoor gym. National Fitness Campaign is preparing to welcome its 750th healthy community in 2026, as it continues to grow the country’s largest public-private partnership in support of wellness with the goal of building a Fitness Court within a 10-minute bike ride of every American. Learn more about National Fitness Campaign at nationalfitnesscampaign.com and follow along on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
