Last week, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute reported Williamson County as the healthiest county in Tennessee. Thanks to our beautiful parks, wonderful programs within the parks systems and dozens of gym options, we’ve snagged the number one spot.
We’ve been hearing lots about childhood obesity in the last few years, thanks to some programs initiated by First Lady Michelle Obama and major corporations throughout America. A Healthier America released a press release after this year’s Partnership for a Healthier America, announcing that corporations, Reebok and Mushroom Cloud, have a “three-year commitment…aimed at increasing physical activity in kids; Mushroom Council will launch a marketing and school-based healthy eating campaign.”
Organizations like these are trying to make healthy choices easier for today’s families, but what can you do now? In your busy schedule, it may seem impossible to make time to get your children away from their cell phones and videogames, but Williamson County Parks & Rec has made it really easy and affordable for you and your family. If you haven’t taken advantage of their great opportunities, check out these upcoming healthy, unique evens just forchildren.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt – March 30th, 10am at the Franklin Recreation Complex and 7pm at the Fairview Recreation Complex, with a Flaslight Egg Hunt at 8pm for children 11-14 years of age at both the Fairview Recreation Complex and Longview Elementary School.
Mighty Tikes—A Tike Sized Triathlon – May 18th, 8:30a-1p at The Longview Recreation Center. Children ages 3-7 years old will compete in a pint-sized triathlon. Beginning on the bike course, then transitioning into the “need for speed” (a running portion) and ending with the “swim” (a quick run through the spinklers!) Cost is $10 per participant.
Half Pint Triathlon – Aug 18th, at The Franklin Recreation Complex. Young athletes will be defining in Juniors (ages 8-9) and Seniors (age 10-12). Juniors will swim 50 meters in the pool, bike 1.5 miles and run 0.5 miles. Seniors will swim 100 meters, bike 3 miles and run 1 mile.
Visit www.wcparksandrec.com for more information on these events and many many others, including upcoming summer camps! The Parks & Rec programs definitely have something to get children of all ages moving. And don’t forget to visit your local parks. Read about them here!
