Fitness is contagious! It hits a community and spreads with epidemic proportions. The fitness trail sections might look deceptively easy until one discovers what needs to be done at each location. The program will continue during the fall and winter months as weather permits.

By Ronald W. Dumke

The whole community is jogging, walking, bicycling, swimming, dancing and exercising with vigor and enthusiasm. The center of this activity is the park and recreation program.

Fitness activity has become as much a part of our daily lives as going to work, eating and sleeping. We need to provide healthier and more attractive alternatives to sedentary complacency for fitness-minded individuals and groups.

Facility renovation

In an effort to update and attract participation to the Waukegan Park District's play-fitness areas and programs, a facilities renovation was promoted. This effort incorporated input from all segments of the community. The goal was to provide a comprehensive community fitness program.

The renovation and revitalization program for 15 active fitness areas was divided into three categories: play, fitness and wellness. The most recent emphasis is on the wellness concept.

Hospital assistance

In June, the district developed a new and exciting program with a local hospital. It serves the recovering cardiac patient through rehabilitation and fitness activities.

The equipment was purchased by the hospital, and placed on adjacent

Illinois Parks and Recreation                                 7                                       November/December 1985

A cardiac rehabilitation nurse demonstrates the proper method of doing a pull-up. Victory Memorial Hospital in Waukegan donated the equipment to the park district.

park district land. The district is responsible for the equipment's installation and maintenance. Based on attendance, reception to the equipment and the reaction of the participants, this new program is a success.

The rehabilitation program is monitored by physicians from the hospital for patients referred to it. The equipment can also be used by the general public as a fitness tool.

Program expansion

It is envisioned that the present success can serve as an impetus for promoting and expanding the wellness concept throughout the entire district. For example, other area hospitals are indicating an interest in the same type of cardiac program for their clientele.

In addition, various companies have offered grants for pilot demonstration projects. These could provide a working agreement between health and park and recreation organizations.

These demonstration projects serve to promote the wellness concept and the philosophy of a park district through a mutually acceptable program of cooperation.

Introducing your national champions ...

Four Decatur, IL, youths constituted the top relay team in the 4 by 100 meter relay at the national final of Hershey's Track and Field Youth Program in August. They competed in the boys 11- to 12-year-old category.

The youths are Michael Bond, Darrell Dale, Marcus Phillips and Adrian Stoner.

Decatur's winning athletes are (from the left) Adrian Stoner, Michael Bond, Darrell Dale and Marcus Phillips. They were the top relay team in the boys 11- to 12-year-old division at the Hershey finals this summer.

Nearly 500 young athletes representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia competed in one of 42 events in Hershey, PA. The 9- to 14-year-old boys and girls earned their trip to the national final by competing in local, district and state meets across the nation this summer.

The Hershey Youth Program's goal is to introduce children to physical fitness through basic track and field events. It is conducted annually in cooperation with the regional and state societies of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Hershey Foods Corporation is the sole funding sponsor of the program including the trip to the national final for the youngsters, coaches and chaperones.

Illinois Parks and Recreation                                 8                                       November/December 1985