Posted on August 18, 2016 at 1:29 PM by Shalima Mohamed
The City of Miramar celebrated Parks and Recreation Month in July by highlighting the importance of health, exercise and socialization. Public parks and recreational facilities offer countless benefits. You can get fit, learn new abilities and make new friends. In fact, studies show that living close to parks and other recreation facilities is consistently related to higher physical activity levels for both adults and youth. Parks and recreation facilities are on the frontline in the battle against the obesity epidemic and other chronic health issues. Between 2000 and 2012, more than 85 studies have been published that link parks to better physical and mental health. In effect, higher levels of green space were associated with lower symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress.
So, we are challenging everyone to get healthier by discovering their local parks and recreation facilities. This month the Miramar Parks and Recreation Department has several activities planned to encourage its residents to get active, such as volleyball clinics, boot camps, strength and conditioning sessions and access to fitness centers. We will also be holding Mini-Soccer for children ages 3 to 5 at Vizcaya Park, free track access at the Ansin Sports Complex and some adult 5-on-5 basketball at the Sunset Lakes Community Center. In addition, we are proud to offer a slew of recreational amenities, such as our aquatic centers, tennis courts, basketball
courts, indoor gyms, paddleball courts, athletic fields, etc. We also have 22 playgrounds throughout the City for children to enjoy. These contribute greatly to the healthy well-being of children, as having access to a playground results in children being five times more likely to have a healthy weight than those who do not have access to playgrounds.
Parks and recreation services are vital for our communities; from protecting open space and natural resources, to helping fight obesity and providing activities and resources for all walks of life. During Parks and Recreation Month, everyone is encouraged to reflect on the exponential value parks and recreation brings to our community.
To wrap up the year of fun, we invite you to fall into the fun at our upcoming special events such as the Hispanic-American Heritage Event on October 8th, the Veterans’ Day Event on November 11th and the Tree Lighting Event on December 3rd.
