Philadelphia teens are set to enjoy free access to fitness this summer, thanks to a collaborative effort between the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, and local Planet Fitness gyms. As announced on the city's official website, the 2025 High School Summer Pass program invites teens ages 14 to 19 to use any participating gym in the U.S. and Canada from June 1 through August 31 at no cost.
Mayor L. Cherelle Parker underscored her commitment to youth opportunities by noting, "I am committed to ensuring our young people have the opportunities and resources they need to thrive year-round." The mayor continued to affirm that the program serves to create "safe spaces where our teens can stay active, reduce stress, and build lifelong healthy habits." The officials have designed the program to keep youths active and engaged during the summer months, which is a time often associated with a gap in structured activities, as per the City of Philadelphia.
Building on a national commitment to youth fitness and empowerment, Planet Fitness is now celebrating its fifth year of offering the High School Summer Pass program. Per the City of Philadelphia, Franz Kindler, Chief of Staff at National Fitness Partners, shared, "We're proud to give teens a place to build lifelong healthy habits," adding that fitness is about confidence, wellness, and opportunity.
With mental health in mind, School District Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D., emphasized the value of the program to student well-being. "As we move forward with implementing Accelerate Philly, our five-year strategic plan, we will continue to prioritize the mental health and well-being of our students," he revealed in the partnership announcement. The district is actively encouraging students to take advantage of the free gym access to maintain not only their physical fitness but also their mental health during the off-school months, as cited by the City of Philadelphia.
