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LiveWell Newport hosts annual Health Expo, to cut ribbon on new outdoor gym in Buena Vista Park


LiveWell Newport will host its 4th Annual Health Expo Saturday, Oct. 5, by cutting the ribbon on the new outdoor gym at Buena Vista Park, which is located on 12th Street between Columbia Street and Central Avenue.

The outdoor gym – known as The St. Elizabeth Fitness Court – was provided by the National Fitness Campaign and sponsored by St. Elizabeth Healthcare, the Newport Foundation and ReNewport

The $120,000 project was funded by a $60,000 grant from St. Elizabeth Healthcare, $30,000 from the National Fitness Campaign and $30,000 from the Newport Foundation. ReNewport funded all additional construction costs to complete the project for the grand opening.

“When the City of Newport reached out to us about undertaking the extensive work and fundraising needed to create this outdoor gym, we knew we had an amazing project for the region,” said ReNewport Vice President Steve Mathisen, who also serves as the organization’s Health/Wellness/Safety Chair. “With the goVibrant urban walking trails underway and highlighting Buena Vista Park, we saw a real opportunity to connect the entire City of Newport through free fitness.” 

With its proximity to two nearby public schools, area youth can utilize the outdoor gym if school facilities are closed. Additionally, if residents are not comfortable or can’t afford a traditional gym membership, the Fitness Court provides an opportunity to workout for free.

“I am thankful for the work of ReNewport in securing a grant from the National Fitness Campaign for the installation of the brand new St. Elizabeth Fitness Court,” said Newport Vice Mayor Tom Guidugli Jr. “This Fitness Court will provide a place for our residents to workout and result in a stronger community. I’m proud of the progress of ReNewport and their active work on additional opportunities for quality of life in our Newport community.”

Saturday’s activities begin at 10:30 a.m. with a 2K walk/run from Newport on the Levee to showcase the city’s new goVibrant urban walking trails. The path will follow York Street to Buena Vista Park at 11 a.m, where a full day of healthy activities for both kids and adults will begin.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony – featuring remarks from Newport city officials and representatives from St. Elizabeth – will begin at noon, followed by the launch party kickoff at 12:30 p.m.

Local fitness professionals will christen the park with activities that will include yoga, martial arts and cardio kickboxing. For the two classes at 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m., participants will need to register and reserve a spot by downloading the National Fitness Court App and selecting “Buena Vista Park.”

The Fitness Court


“Using the National Fitness Campaign app, our local Newport fitness ambassador’s can publish their own workouts for the outdoor gym and lend their expertise to our residents,” Mathisen said. “This is a great way for fitness locations to connect to new people who want to try a workout but may not be ready to commit to a membership yet. And it allows residents to build their confidence and to take those next steps in furthering their health goals.”

LiveWell Newport is part of LiveWellNKY, which focuses on building and sustaining a community movement toward a culture of health in the community.

“On the newly-installed Fitness Court, residents of Newport can take one step closer towards supporting their own health and wellness, in a new and creative way,” the National Fitness Campaign said in a statement. “The Fitness Court is an outdoor body weight circuit training facility designed to transform this thriving public park into a community wellness hub. As part of the national campaign ecosystem, the free Fitness Court App allows residents to track their training progress, learn new routines and compete in exciting fitness challenges.”

Other participating agencies and organizations include:

Master Fry Defense Systems
Swing This Kettlebell
The Yoga Bar
Vibe Dance Fitness
Brighton Center 
Campbell County Cooperative Extension Office – University of Kentucky
Train With Pauir


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