Thousands Took the ‘Get Fit’ Challenge on Family Health & Fitness Day

July 8, 2019, Department, by National Recreation and Park Association

2019 July NRPA Update Family Health and Fitness 410

NRPA thanks everyone who participated in Family Health & Fitness Day, Saturday, June 8, 2019. The overwhelming response to this ongoing initiative is a testament to the field’s commitment to health and wellness and the programs that strengthen individuals mentally and physically.

This year, NRPA invited everyone to “Get Fit” With Parks and Recreation by participating in one of these health-focused, family-friendly activities that benefit people of all ages year-round:

Take a Walk

  • 75 percent of park and rec agencies provide walking trails

Go for a Swim

  • 69 percent of park and rec agencies provide areas for swimming

Enroll in a Fitness Program

  • 78 percent of park and rec agencies offer fitness classes
  • Create Your Own Exercise Routine Most park and rec agencies offer space to exercise — including indoor and outdoor fitness equipment
  • 57 percent of park and rec agencies have rec centers
  • 55 percent of park and rec agencies have gyms
  • 38 percent of park and rec agencies have fitness centers

Play Outside

  • 92 percent of park and rec agencies have playgrounds
  • 75 percent have baseball/softball fields
  • 83 percent have basketball courts
  • 55 percent have dog parks

NRPA encourages agencies everywhere to use this list to promote park and recreation-sponsored health and wellness activities throughout the year.

New this year was a nationwide challenge that encouraged everyone to do one minute of jumping jacks (regular or modified) with family and/or friends at a local park or recreation center. The challenge was a hit, and we thank everyone who took the time to promote it, especially our partners, which include Baltimore City Recreation & Parks, Chicago Park District, Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation, Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces, Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation, and San Antonio Parks and Recreation.

Everyone was asked to share photos and videos online, and the response was widespread. In addition to park and recreation agencies, hospitals and health organizations — such as the American Lung Association — doctors and individuals, and even Wolf Trap National Park joined the #NRPAFamilyFitDay conversation, which resulted in nearly 1.7 million Twitter impressions!

Celebrated the second Saturday of June each year, Family Health & Fitness Day, which is sponsored by Greenfields Outdoor Fitness Equipment, promotes the importance of parks and recreation in keeping communities active and healthy. Many communities host special events on this day, while others simply encourage their residents to visit a local park or recreation center where they can participate in a variety of family-friendly activities, such as walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, golfing, tennis and swimming.

Additional information about Family Health & Fitness Day is available at www.nrpa.org/family-fitness.