Parks and Recreation Secures Grant to Bring Physical Activity Education to Youth in Afterschool Program

​A $13,000 grant is helping Parks and Recreation make a positive impact on elementary school students through "Let's Move!", a 12-week physical activity education program.

Fifty-one youth enrolled in the Banneker Afterschool program at Fairview Elementary School during the fall 2024 semester received a pair of tennis shoes, a T-shirt, and a water bottle to support their ongoing efforts to be physically active. Seniors in the Indiana University School of Public Health's Event Planning and Program Development course developed and facilitated physical education activities for the afterschool program.

The "Let's Move!" program was made possible by a Youth Adolescent Physical Activity (YAPA) grant from the Indiana Department of Health, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity for safe and engaging physical activity education. ​

According to guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children should engage in fun, varied, age-appropriate physical activity for at least 60 minutes a day.

"Data from the CDC is clear when it comes to links between negative health outcomes and limited access to age-appropriate sports, health and wellness programming, and safe transportation," said Shelby Drake, Parks and Recreation's Health and Wellness Coordinator. "Safe access to youth exercise programs may not be available to students due to cost, distance or other barriers. Let's Move! encourages children to engage in physical activity and helps develop skills needed to be 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. Students receive a snack each day, are partnered with volunteer tutors for homework help, and participate in special programming like Let's Move! Transportation home is provided to students who live in the Fairview Elementary School district. Participation in Banneker Afterschool is free.

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