Buffalo, NY – Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon, together with Jessica Cox, President of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, announced the return of the 2025 Summer City Fitness Program. This free outdoor fitness series started ten years ago. It will be held on the football field at The Johnnie B. Wiley Amateur Athletic Sports Pavilion, located at 1100 Jefferson Avenue. The program offers free weekly fitness classes led by the popular local group, Body of Wealth.
Mayor Scanlon said, “Buffalo has proudly supported Summer City Fitness since it began in 2015. We are excited to mark the program’s tenth season. I want to thank Jessica Cox and her team at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for their ongoing support. This program helps promote healthy living and connects our community to important health and wellness resources. We look forward to continuing our partnership to build a stronger, healthier Buffalo.”
Jessica Cox added, “At Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, we believe fitness should be available to everyone. We thank Mayor Scanlon and the City of Buffalo for their support. This program offers free and accessible fitness opportunities for our community. We also thank our partners—Body of Wealth, Urban Fruits and Veggies, and Neighborhood Health Center—for making this event so popular with local residents.”
The program starts on Saturday, June 21, and runs every Saturday until August 30, except for July 5. Each session will take place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Over the last ten years, thousands of people in Buffalo have joined the free classes. Last year, participation grew by 213%, with over 1,000 people attending.
In addition to fitness classes, Urban Fruits and Veggies will provide free fruits. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield will supply water for all participants. New this year, Neighborhood Health Center will offer free preventive health screenings. This addition aims to enhance the fitness program and provide more health resources to the community.
The classes are open to people of all ages and fitness levels. Each session includes a warm-up, a boot-camp style workout, an electric slide dance cool-down, and closing remarks focused on inspiration and mental health.
