Bloomington, Ind. ~ Bloomington, Ind. - A $13,000 grant has been awarded to Parks and Recreation to support their "Let's Move!" program, which aims to promote physical activity among elementary school students. The 12-week program has already made a positive impact on 51 youth enrolled in the Banneker Afterschool program at Fairview Elementary School during the fall 2024 semester.

Thanks to the grant from the Indiana Department of Health's Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, students in the afterschool program received a pair of tennis shoes, a T-shirt, and a water bottle to support their ongoing efforts to be physically active. The program was developed and facilitated by seniors in Indiana University's School of Public Health's Event Planning and Program Development course.

The "Let's Move!" program aligns with guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recommend that children engage in fun, varied, age-appropriate physical activity for at least 60 minutes a day. Shelby Drake, Parks and Recreation's Health and Wellness Coordinator, emphasized the importance of providing safe access to youth exercise programs.

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"Data from the CDC clearly shows that limited access to age-appropriate sports, health and wellness programming, and safe transportation can lead to negative health outcomes," said Drake. "Through Let's Move!, we aim to encourage children to engage in physical activity and develop skills that will help them stay active at home."

Parks and Recreation partners with 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Monroe County Community School Corporation School Age Care to bring Banneker Afterschool to students in grades K-6 at Fairview Elementary. In addition to participating in Let's Move!, students also receive a daily snack and homework help from volunteer tutors. Transportation is provided for students who live within the Fairview Elementary School district, making participation in Banneker Afterschool free for all students.

The Let's Move! program will continue for students enrolled in the Banneker Afterschool program in Spring 2025. The remaining grant funding will be used to implement bike riding education and safety programs at Banneker Camp, a summer day camp hosted by the Banneker Community Center.

Parks and Recreation is committed to promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles among youth in the community. Thanks to the YAPA grant, they are able to provide safe and engaging physical activity education for students at Fairview Elementary School.

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