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FitPHX has been building a healthier, happier Phoenix through connection and collaboration for more than a decade. In today’s fast-paced world, where sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy habits abound, this citywide health and wellness initiative encourages community members to lead healthy, active lives. With a population of more than 1.7 million, Phoenix stands as one of the largest and most diverse cities in the United States. FitPHX was built on a commitment to health equity rooted in this diversity. The idea was simple but profound: make health and wellness opportunities available to all.

The City of Phoenix launched FitPHX in 2013 with the goal of improving health and wellness in the region and making Phoenix one of the healthiest cities in the nation. Supported by the City of Phoenix mayor and City Council offices, the city created the FitPHX coordinator position and allocated it to the park and recreation department.

To gauge progress and set benchmarks, the city turned to the American College of Sports Medicine’s American Fitness Index® rankings, which consider factors like physical activity and access to parks and healthcare. In 2021, Phoenix made strides, climbing up the ranks and reaffirming its position as a city committed to health.

Creating Connections

FitPHX serves as a vital bridge connecting the community to existing health and wellness programs and services. At the launch of the initiative, the city recognized there were many decentralized health and wellness services spread throughout its departments. By coordinating efforts and centralizing information under the FitPHX brand, the initiative maximizes the impact of these services, ensuring that they reach those who need them the most.
The initiative focuses on education and outreach, engaging community members through health workshops, seminars and fitness classes. By fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among community members, FitPHX encourages individuals to take charge of their health and make informed choices about personal well-being.

Innovative Collaborations

FitPHX thrives on forging innovative partnerships with organizations, nonprofits and community groups, amplifying its reach and impact. These partnerships, which provide program and infrastructure funding support, bring fresh ideas and resources to the table, resulting in creative solutions to health challenges.

For instance, FitPHX collaborates with local and national nonprofits to establish no-cost fitness programs for community members of all levels and abilities, instilling healthy habits for all ages.

Expanding Infrastructure

FitPHX promotes active lifestyles and well-being by connecting the community to its own program infrastructure, which has been developed with partnering organizations.

WalkPHX, a sub-brand of FitPHX, comprises a network of more than 50 walking paths and trails strategically designed to encourage community members and visitors to engage in regular physical activity and social connection by walking. These paths are in parks, neighborhoods and other accessible areas throughout Phoenix and often encompass family-friendly amenities, such as playgrounds and sports fields. WalkPHX walking paths attract more than 1 million users annually.

FitPHX’s FitLot Outdoor Fitness Park is in a centrally located sports complex within Phoenix. It is equipped with a range of fitness stations for all fitness levels and designed to facilitate structured workouts, group fitness classes and/or self-led individual exercise.

FitPHX’s infrastructure complements existing infrastructure and programs within the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, such as outdoor fitness equipment, aquatics and recreation center programs, and hiking trails. The amenities encourage physical activity, support well-being and foster a sense of community, promoting a healthier and more vibrant city.

Kat Mase, MBA, is FitPHX Coordinator at City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.