Fun and fitness in Bailey Park

Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. on July 12, 44 children ranging in age from 1 year old to eighteen came with their families to Bailey Park to join in sports and physical activity. This Kid-Fit “Fun in the Park” event was sponsored by the Tri County Community Network (TCCN).

The children formed four teams and engaged in five different activities.

Hula hoops was a hoot.

The soccer competition was fierce.

Coordinating the Parachute was amazingly artistic.

Freeze tag was lots of fun…

and last of all the bunny-hopping was bouncy beneficial exercise.

After a round of activity, everyone gathered together so that Cindy Dodd could draw prizes.

This was the third of five Kid-Fit events being held this summer. The kick-off event was an evening of “splish-splash fun” at the Raymond Berry Intermountain Pool on June 14. Then on June 28, there was Burney Falls Night at Burney Falls State Park, an evening of nature fun with hiking and a family picnic.

TCCN director Dodds said that over 100 children have participated in the events so far.

There are still two more events scheduled. On July 26, at 6 p.m there will be a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail at Baum and Crystal Lakes. Then on August 2 at 6 p.m. there will be a Family Mud Run and Obstacle Course at Bailey Park.

Dana Hauge and Shaylene Herndon are co-coordinators of the Kid-Fit program for the Intermountain Community Center. The purpose of the program is to promote healthy lifestyle choices for children and families in the Intermountain area. It is supported by grants and donations from the Shasta Regional Community Foundation/Burney Regional Community Fund and numerous community volunteers.

Ms. Hauge, a physical trainer with a studio in Fall River who also trains in Burney, said that their motto is “Go out and play for 90 a day.”

She also said that one of the purposes of this Bailey Park event was to encourage families to use the park for outdoor recreational activities such as soccer and picnics. The park is here for fun, family, and fitness.

All children in the Intermountain area, from infants up to 18 year-olds, are encouraged to participate in the Kid-Fit program. Furthermore, families are welcome because the events are designed for the enjoyment of the whole family.

Dodds says that children and their families who have not yet participated are still welcome to join in the remaining events.

Children who participate in the program can earn fitness related prizes such as balls, jump-ropes, kites, hula hoops, Frisbees and other items. For more information, please contact the Intermountain Community Center at 335-4600.