Time’s running out to sign up for Get Movin,’ the program that provides kids and their families free prizes for being active for 30 minutes five times a week.
The deadline for signing up is June 30. So far, about 3,000 kids and adults have joined the program, said Kristin Price, an events coordinator with the Lynnwood parks department.
This year’s goal is to have 3,800 kids and adults participate, up from 3,000 last year.
Anyone who can meet the goal of being active for a half hour five times a week qualifies for weekly prizes, such as passes for swimming, climbing and bowling. Any activity counts, from walking the dog around the block to biking, hiking, swimming or jogging.
Caroline Brown, a longtime volunteer with the Get Movin’ program, said she’s heard kids gasp with excitement when they see the free passes for climbing lessons.
Passes to area swimming pools, skating rinks and bowling lanes also are popular, because they’re activities that the whole family can participate in, she said.
“We’re really emphasizing that the whole family be active,” Brown said.
The program, now in its seventh year, was launched to help kids and families in Snohomish County get more active. The goal is to counter a trend of both children and adults becoming increasingly overweight.
Weight problems plague adults throughout Snohomish County but are more acute in ZIP codes in east Snohomish County, Marysville and Everett.
Being overweight or obese can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Everett’s 12th Street Boys &Girls Club is also offering free summer activities for kids signed up for Get Movin’ from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Gymnastic and dance classes will be added to the organization’s schedule of regular activities, said Jeremy Oshie, who directs the club.
It’s the first time that a Boys &Girls Club has offered free activities to kids signed up for Get Movin’. Next year, more of the organization’s 14 clubs in Snohomish County are expected to also offer free activities for Get Movin’ kids, Oshie said.
Sponsors of the Get Movin’ program this year include the YMCA of Snohomish County, Stevens Hospital, The Everett Clinic and The Herald.
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.
Where to sign up for Get Movin’
Families can sign up for Get Movin’ through June 30 at these locations:
Everett Parks &Recreation: 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd., 425-257-8300.
Lynnwood Recreation Office: 19000 44th Ave W, 425-670-5732.
Marysville YMCA: 6420 60th Drive NE, 360-653-9622.
Monroe: 14033 Fryelands Blvd. SE, 360-805-1879.
North Everett families can sign up at the 12th Street Boys &Girls Club, 2316 12th St. between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Call 425-259-5147 for information.
For more information on Get Movin’, go to www.get-movin.org.
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