EAST LANSING, Mich. – The East Lansing Department of Parks, Recreation & Arts (ELPRA) has entered into a partnership with the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA), designed to encourage citizens to utilize community parks, trails and recreational amenities for physical activity. This partnership is made possible through a $24,340 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.
“Michigan’s parks and recreation departments offer a variety of parks, facilities and programs,” said MRPA Chief Operating Officer Ann Conklin. “These amenities provide affordable and accessible destinations for physical activity and are uniquely positioned to contribute directly to resident health and wellness. We are thrilled to partner with the East Lansing Department of Parks, Recreation & Arts to further improve resident physical activity and health.”
MRPA’s Michigan Health Endowment Fund award will allow ELPRA to encourage youth, families and seniors to become more physically active. This summer, the youth component will engage Kids Camp participants in a variety of interactive games and activities designed to promote healthy habits and daily exercise. These interactive games and activities will be continued throughout the 2015-2016 school year with youth that are a part of East Lansing’s Before and After School Child Care program. For families, a Pop Up Fitness (PUF) program is planned. Community members who participate in PUF will receive a text a couple days in advance telling them where to meet for their latest workout. Workouts will be held in various locations and at various times. For seniors, equipment will be purchased to enhance the pickleball program, and low-cost Zumba Gold and other fitness activities will be provided.
“This partnership with the Michigan Recreation and Park Association will help us to continue to expand upon our parks and recreational offerings for the East Lansing community,” said East Lansing Parks, Recreation & Arts Director Tim McCaffrey. “We would like to thank the MRPA for their support of our programming and the health of our community members.”
Founded in 1935, the Michigan Recreation and Park Association provides advocacy, resources and professional development opportunities to a devoted and diverse membership of park and recreation agencies, professionals, vendors and advocates. Learn more at www.mrpaonline.org.
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund was created in 2013 as part of Public Act 4. The purpose of the endowment fund is to benefit the health and wellness of Michiganders – particularly seniors and children. Learn more at www.healthendowmentfund.org.