City of Sumter partners with National Fitness Campaign and USC Sumter to bring outdoor fitness court to community

City of Sumter, University of South Carolina Sumter and National Fitness Campaign on Tuesday announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court and digital wellness programming to Sumter. The Fitness Court, at 199 University Drive, will open June 9 at 10:30 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

This Fitness Court was developed to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities across the region. 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.

"This project is an important investment in the health, wellness and quality of life of our community," Mayor David Merchant said. "Partnerships like this demonstrate what we can accomplish when organizations come together with a shared vision of building a stronger, healthier Sumter for generations to come."

Created for adults of all abilities aged 14+, Fitness Court workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users may also 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. Sumter is one of the first Campaign Partners building a network of Fitness Courts across the region, with the help of the Williams-Brice-Edwards Charitable Trust.

"We are excited to have Sumter 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 Menegaed, 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 Sumter community."

According to previous Item reporting, the project was announced as being in development in February with two resolutions. Resolution 1022 said the city would "endeavor to provide a local match in the amount of $150,000 from budgeted or internal funds within fiscal year 2026" and provide $30,000 for assembly and installation. The contract in Resolution 1023 said the $215,000 project is funded through a National Fitness Campaign Grant and private grant funding. It was ultimately funded through grants, including one from USC Sumter, while Sumter County Council's approval was necessary because the money flows through the city.

Residents are invited to attend the launch event on June 9 at 10:30 a.m. to try the Fitness Court. For more information, visit www.LoveSumter.com, or contact the Visitors Center at (803) 436-2640.

About National Fitness Campaign

Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign 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.