Fit2Play helps kids find ‘fun’ in health, fitnessThe Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department is making fitness fun for kids (ages 6-14) and invites parents to enroll them in its “Fit2Play: Health, Wellness and Obesity Prevention” after-school program, so they can discover the “fun” in fitness and develop healthy habits for a lifetime.
Kids will stay fit and thrilled with fully supervised activities focused on fitness, nutrition and wellness, and developing their appreciation of nature, science and the cultural arts. Miami-Dade County Parks’ Fit2Play program will take place Monday-Friday, 2- 6 p.m., from Aug. 24 through June 10, 2016, throughout the school year and school vacation breaks, at 32 Miami-Dade park locations. Registration is underway.
Fit2Play program fees range from $25 to $35 per week, depending on the chosen program and location. Qualifying families can receive financial aid.
Miami-Dade County Parks also offers transportation from select schools to select Fit2Play park sites for an additional charge, making the program all the more convenient for parents.
“Parents will agree that good nutrition and outdoor playtime are essential to our children’s physical health and well-being. To ensure their student stays fit and focused for the school year, I highly encourage parents to enroll their students in the Parks Department’s highly effective Fit2Play program,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.
“Our Fit2Play program is a proven tool in fighting childhood obesity. Kids learn to steer away from junk food and too much time at the computer or TV, and develop good nutrition and fitness habits that will help them grow into fit and active adults,” said Jack Kardys, Miami-Dade Parks director.
With the summer break coming to a close, parents will begin preparing their children for the new school year and getting back to a regular routine. In addition to the scholastic swing of things, “outdoor physical fitness time” should be part of every child’s routine if they want to be healthy and fit for the classroom and life.
Launched in 2005 as a health and wellness solution for children living in Miami- Dade County, Miami-Dade County Parks’ Fit2Play is a partnership with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and a national model as it helps children maintain healthy weight, lose excess weight and learn good nutrition.
For more information, visit the Miami- Dade Parks Fit2Play Program where the participating parks are listed or call 3-1-1.
Fit2Play partners and sponsors include: Aetna; Avmed Health Plans; Florida Blue Foundation; Florida Recreation and Park Association; Health Foundation of South Florida; Miami-Dade County Health Department; National Recreation and Park Association; Pediatric Associates; Santa’s Enchanted Forrest; The Children’s Trust; The Miami Marlins; The Miami Foundation; The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade; The Trust for Public Land, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
