Yakima was a great place to be this summer for kids, thanks to Kiddin’ Around, an outdoor activity program sponsored by the Yakima Greenway Foundation.   Nearly 6,000 kids participated in this year’s program.

BACKGROUND:  Kiddin’ Around was established three years ago by the Yakima Greenway Foundation Board of Directors to address the problem of childhood obesity.   In 2008, more than one-third of children or adolescents were overweight or obese and at risk for diabetes, heart disease, asthma and other health problems during their lifetime.   The mission of Kiddin’ Around is to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for all youth, with an emphasis on fighting childhood obesity.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS:  Kiddin’ Around offered a wide range of events led by community organizations including The First Tee of Yakima, Yakima Parks & Recreation, Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, Yakima Family YMCA, Yakima Police Athletic League, Yakima Valley Museum and the Yakima Bears.  The program’s kick-off was Kids’ Fish-In, April 23, at Reflection Pond, Sarg Hubbard Park, hosted by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and the Yakima Greenway Foundation.  The program concluded with the Hot Shots 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, August 27-28, organized by the Yakima Valley Sports Commission.

INCENTIVE PRIZES:  Kids earn incentive prizes through accumulation of points based on participation.  Prizes such as swim passes encourage participants to try additional activities.  Seven kids reached the highest level at 1,000 points and received T-shirts and a chance for a larger prize.  Cole C. won the top prize and was awarded a bicycle at Yakima Greenway Foundation’s board meeting, September 26.

NEXT YEAR:  Events already scheduled for next year are: 

            April 28:        Kids’ Fish-In
            May 12:         Family Field Day
            June 2:          Gap2Gap 

Look for the complete calendar of events in spring 2012.