Texas Border Business
The City of McAllen, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), and the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) held a launch event for a new outdoor Fitness Court featuring digital programming. A ribbon cutting ceremony and high energy celebration was held at Bill Schupp Park on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
As part of the launch, Mayor Javier Villalobos kicked off a Sweet 60 Showdown by completing 60 pushups on site, challenging residents to engage in wellness activities. Residents gathered alongside McAllen ISD cheerleaders from various schools, cadets from the McAllen Police Department and city employees as the mayor challenged everyone to get McAllen moving.
“At the start of this year, as I prepared to turn 60, I committed to doing something meaningful to inspire our community to move and prioritize their physical and emotional health. This is about leading by example and showing that McAllen is not defined by outside perceptions, but by people committed to living stronger, healthier lives,” Mayor Javier Villalobos.
Designed as a world class outdoor gym, the Fitness Court allows users to leverage their own body weight for a complete workout using seven exercise stations. Created for resident of all abilities ages 14 and older, the workouts are adaptable, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Residents can also download the free Fitness Court App, which serves as a coach in your pocket and transforms the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience.
The City of McAllen is one of more than 50 campaign partners building a statewide network of Fitness Courts with support from BCBSTX. Bill Schupp is the 53rd park to open and amenities are free to use 24/7.
“This is another meaningful investment in our families and in the overall quality of life we’re building here in McAllen,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “Bill Schupp Park has long been a staple in our community, and it only made sense to elevate it with amenities that reflect the kind of active, connected, and vibrant lifestyle our residents deserve. This is what winning looks like for our city, accessible, high-quality spaces that support healthier lives for everyone.”
“Physical activity is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to improve overall health,” said Dr. Mark Chassay, chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. “By investing in Fitness Courts across Texas, we’re creating more opportunities for people to move, connect, and build healthier, more equitable communities for the future.”
“We are excited to have the City of McAllen 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.
For more information on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas support of NFC, please visit https://www.nationalfitnesscampaign.com/texas
