Fitness Court® to Help Enhance the Lives of Forrest County Residents in Palmer’s Crossing
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – (November 19, 2025) — A dedication ceremony was held November 19 for the newly-opened Fitness Court®/Fitness Court Studio® at Dewitt Sullivan Park in Palmer’s Crossing. The Fitness Court® is a vibrant addition to the community, complementing the colorful splash pad, the Frankie R. Benton Pavilion, and the walking track enjoyed by residents year-round.
More than a new park feature, the Fitness Court® represents an important step toward helping Forrest County residents embrace healthier lifestyles. The initiative supports ongoing commitment to keeping the community healthy by promoting regular exercise, nutritious eating, and access to meaningful wellness resources.
“This Fitness Court will provide a new, modern way to stay fit, at no cost,” said District 4 Supervisor Roderick “Rod” Woullard, whose district includes the park and who spearheaded the initiative. “We’re trying to expand as much green space and as many facilities as we can so people can work on their health. Your health is your wealth, and your wealth is in your health. We often don’t take our health seriously until we start to lose it — and by then, it may be too late to enjoy life the way you want. We’ve got to get people taking their health seriously at a younger age.”
Shea McNease, P.E., president of Shows, Dearman & Waits, explained the connection between nutrition and health from a civil engineering perspective. “Foods that are fried or filled with preservatives are often cheaper and quicker to prepare,” he said. “When we inspect sewer systems, we see increased fats, oils, and greases — the same ingredients found in unhealthy foods — causing clogs and infrastructure problems. You can easily correlate the availability of fresh, healthy foods with reduced strain on infrastructure. In communities with these issues, we also see higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems that plague Mississippians.
“If these ingredients can damage a sewer system, imagine what they’re doing inside our bodies. That’s why eating healthy and exercising are so important.”
Forrest Health President/CEO Jeff Cook supports that sentiment.
“Health is the foundation of a thriving community. When we nourish our bodies and stay active, we strengthen our ability to live fuller, healthier lives,” said Cook. “The Fitness Court is a meaningful step in expanding access to wellness resources and supporting a healthier future for the people we serve.”
The Fitness Court® itself is a two-sided circuit-training center positioned within 38’ x 38’ squares and can accommodate up to 28 people at a time. Seven exercise stations — core, squat, lunge, bend, agility, push, and pull — allow users to leverage their body weight for a complete workout. With 118 elements, thousands of exercise combinations are possible. The opposite side features an open, obstacle-free square designed for outdoor classes such as Zumba, yoga, Pilates, dance, and more. A digitally activated app also provides users with on-demand coaching right from their smartphones.
“There is no wrong way to use the Fitness Court®, which is designed for people of all abilities and ages,” Woullard added.
Grant funding for the project was awarded as part of a continuing effort to improve fitness opportunities for Forrest County residents. Earlier this year, the county submitted a grant application to the National Fitness Campaign for installation of the equipment at the park.
Woullard, who also serves as vice president of the Board of Supervisors, praised Forrest County Maintenance workers for completing much of the initial construction work themselves, saving the county substantial costs.
He hopes adults working in the nearby Industrial Park will take advantage of the facility before and after work. Plans are already underway for future classes featuring stretching, yoga, and equipment-based workouts.
“I want the people of this community, both young and old, to see how exercise — paired with good nutrition — can enhance a person’s quality of life,” Woullard said. “We want them to develop healthy habits they can carry throughout their lives and pass down to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.”
Woullard also hopes students from the adjacent Earl Travillion Attendance Center will make full use of the new fitness opportunities.
For more information, visit the Forrest County website or the Forrest County Board of Supervisors Facebook page.
ABOUT FORREST HEALTH
Forrest Health is a system of healthcare organizations formed to increase access to quality health care in south Mississippi. Forrest General Hospital is its flagship hospital. In addition to Forrest General, Forrest Health hospitals include: Highland Community Hospital, Picayune; Jefferson Davis Community Hospital & Extended Care Facility, Prentiss; Marion General Hospital, Columbia; Pearl River County Hospital & Nursing Home, Poplarville; Perry County General Hospital, Richton; and Walthall General Hospital, Tylertown. Forrest Health is also home to The Orthopedic Institute and Institute of Neuroscience, both in Hattiesburg, as well as a variety of healthcare clinics throughout its 19-county coverage area.
