Seattle Parks and Recreation
August 2011
With community centers and parks located throughout the city, Seattle Parks and Recreation is helping PCC reach a wider group of individuals in Seattle through its Healthy Parks, Healthy You initiative.
"It's a great chance to get the Kid Picks Mobile into community centers, and expose kids who may come from lower income households to healthy foods," says PCC community relations manager Sara Walsh. "It's an amazing way to add to what we already provide; the nutritional aspect is now paired with physical activity."
SPR developed Healthy Parks, Healthy You in 2008, after considering its role in the fight against childhood obesity. "We knew that we were in the right position to affect change in neighborhoods throughout Seattle because parks are located throughout the city and we have relationships with numerous partners and community groups," writes Sue Goodwin, Recreation Director for SPR.
In an effort to spread the health and wellness message, SPR has organized special events for the public that support healthy activity and choices. On August 27, 2011, SPR will hold Big Day of Play — its fourth annual event — at Magnuson Park, and PCC is happy to join in on the fun.
“ Each of us is committed to the highest standard of products and services and to encouraging healthy eating and other healthy choices. ” — Sue Goodwin
The event features program and activity booths that explore the many different classes and offerings made available by SPR at local community centers, as well as healthy food from PCC. The PCC Kid Picks Mobile will also be in attendance with all of the ingredients and fixings for trail mix.
The Big Day of Play is the cornerstone of a partnership between SPR and PCC that hopefully will help encourage those in the community to live healthier.
"At Big Day of Play we bring two worlds together," says Walsh, "that of healthy eating and that of healthy playing."
Goodwin agrees: "Each of us is committed to the highest standard of products and services and to encouraging healthy eating and other healthy choices. By working within local neighborhoods we gain trust and build community and credibility. The goal to provide the best local goods and services is supplemented by the provision of educational opportunities that promote healthy lifestyles and activities for families. This creates a cycle of sustainability that continually feeds back into the communities we serve."