Director’s Letter – Fall/Winter 24

Summer has now come and gone in the blink of an eye, and we look ahead to another fall and winter season filled with more fun programs, activities, and opportunities for community engagement.

As we wrap up 2024, we want to reinforce the importance of a healthy community and the role that health and fitness play in our mission to enhance community and quality of life. The Recreation Center plays a crucial role in promoting fitness and community health through its infrastructure and programs. We are committed to inspiring positive lifestyle choices and enhancing overall health quality. In line with the “Exercise is Medicine” initiative, launched by the American College of Sports Medicine in 2007, we encourage incorporating physical activity into daily routines. This approach not only promotes optimal health but also helps prevent and manage various medical conditions. Studies have shown that physically active individuals tend to incur significantly lower healthcare costs compared to their sedentary counterparts.

Despite the time constraints often present in primary care visits, it’s essential to integrate discussions about physical activity into patient care. Initiatives like “Moving Through Cancer,” a specialized program within Exercise is Medicine, support exercise and rehabilitation for cancer patients, highlighting benefits such as reduced side effects and quicker recovery.

We recognize the importance of community support in fostering sustained behavior change. Our inclusive community spaces—ranging from our neighborhood parks and trails to the Recreation Center—are designed to support health and wellness across diverse demographics. By encouraging personal responsibility and awareness of how individual behaviors can influence others, we aim to foster a culture of health within our community. So grab a friend and join us this fall and winter for a variety of activities that offer something for everyone. From youth and adult sports leagues to our annual tree lighting ceremony and numerous fitness and aquatics programs at the Recreation Center, there are plenty of ways to stay active, healthy and engaged.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you,

J.C. Kennedy

Parks & Recreation Director