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California
Six New Fitness Zones Placed In South Los Angeles Parks
Kaiser Permanente, The Trust for Public Land, and the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles are helping people be more active, thanks to several outdoor, all-weather equipped Fitness Zones popping up at public parks. Los Angeles City Councilmember Jan Perry, District 9, dedicated the first of six Fitness Zones in the South Los Angeles area on January 14.
''According to the LA County Department of Public Health, 37.8 percent of adults are obese in the community surrounding South Park,'' said Perry. ''This Fitness Zone, made possible by Kaiser Permanente and CRA/LA, will provide much-needed free physical activity opportunities for the entire neighborhood.''
''Kaiser Permanente wants to ensure good health extends beyond our doors,'' said Diana Bontá, RN, DrPH, Vice President, Public Affairs, Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region. ''Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles City Councilmember Jan Perry and the Trust for Public Land have come together to provide Fitness Zones in Los Angeles parks because we know that healthy communities and a healthy environment are critical to individual health and wellness.''
''We are proud to partner with Kaiser Permanente and Community Redevelopment Agency to create these fitness zones,'' said Sam Hodder, California Director of The Trust for Public Land. ''We know that exercise is important to good health and giving local residents a nearby place where they can work out provides a vital tool to improving their well-being.''
Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit has provided $900,000 in Healthy Eating, Active Living grants over a 3-year period (2008 - 2010) to the Trust for Public Land to support their ability to expand the zones as part of park development and revitalization, park planning and acquisition, as well as advocate for green space and parks and provide expertise to cities and communities as they plan for more open space.
With the creation of outdoor exercise centers in established community parks, the Trust for Public Land has introduced more people to the benefits of exercise and made 11 Los Angeles-area parks safer, more inviting, and more active.
''The Fitness Zones in South Los Angeles help meet our healthy neighborhoods goals by greening and beautifying our project areas and also by assisting in the personal health and well-being of families who live in the communities we serve,'' said Alejandro Ortiz, CRA/LA Commissioner.
The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks has been involved every step of the way, from mapping the site to final inspections. The department and will provide continued oversight and maintenance of the Fitness Zones. The all-weather equipment is ideal for any fitness level and for ages 13 and up.
''Studies have shown that providing free and easy to use exercise equipment dramatically increases the opportunity to engage in physical activity,'' said Jon Mukri, General Manager, City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. ''The Fitness Zones have become hubs of community activity by creating a group atmosphere that feels social and helps people be more active.'' 1/14/2010
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