LTC 250-2003 CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No.
To:
From:
Subject:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez
City Manager
Parks and Recreation Physical Fitness Program
Date: October 24, 2003
Fitness is a problem in today's society and Recreation is taking a pro active role by bringing
awareness and fitness back into the lives of our youth. Physical education is no longer a
requirement in our school systems and our country as a whole is suffering.
Obesity, diabetes, and asthma are some of the most prevalent and costly chronic health
problems facing the nation. Increased exemise and better nutrition are simple measures
that can prevent or delay many chronic diseases. The Recreation Division is taking
measures to reduce the burden of these illnesses and their related complications with a
particular focus on youth.
The Parks and Recreation Department has developed a fitness challenge/program to
encourage children to become more active and physically fit. The Recreation Division has
formulated a seven event program in which children will be timed and scored depending on
age (much like the school systems Presidential Physical Fitness Award). Children will
have an opportunity to earn a gold, silver or bronze award, a certificate and a patch
depending on their results. Official testing will take place twice a year at Flamingo Park,
one time in December and a second in May.
This pilot program is initially designed for children ages 10-15 in our after school programs.
We are planning on incorporating ages six through nine depending on the success of the
initial pilot program.
Together we can encourage our children to "Take the Parks and Recreation Challenge"!
JM~M.~M.'JM:ap