South Bay Leader

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services’ (Health Department) Healthy Active Long Beach program and the Walk and Roll Long Beach program, in partnership with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, invites the community to attend the 2023 Power Up Your Summer Kickoff on Saturday, June 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave). This free event launches Healthy Active Long Beach’s Power Up Your Summer campaign that encourages youth to engage in 60 minutes of active play every day over the summer months.

“With school ending, it’s important that kids keep moving and stay active during the summer break,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “The Power Up Your Summer campaign encourages youngsters to safely play outdoors during the beautiful summer weather.”

The kickoff event will include activities and games that promote health and provide nutrition education. Activities include a free bike safety presentation and community bike rides coordinated by the Health Department’s Walk and Roll Long Beach program, in partnership with the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD). Rides will be led by LBPD’s Neighborhood Safety Bike Team at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. No pre-registration is needed. Riders of all ages and abilities are invited to practice riding safely on city streets to promote safe and active transportation.

“Physical activity improves overall health, growth and development and reduces anxiety,” said Health and Human Services Director Kelly Colopy. “Being physically active also can reduce the risk of various chronic diseases. I encourage everyone to power up this summer and make physical activity a part of one’s routine.”

Following the kickoff event, the Power Up Your Summer campaign will conduct pop-ups from 5 to 7 p.m. on Mondays at local parks. Each popup event will provide youth with the opportunity to participate in 60 minutes of organized play, sample healthy foods and receive nutrition education. Pop-Up events will include:

• Cesar E. Chavez Park (401 Golden Ave.)
  • June 26, July 3 and July 10
• Houghton Park (3601 Myrtle Ave.)
  • Jul 17, July 21 and Jul 31
• Veterans Park (101 E. 28th St.)
  • Aug. 7, Aug. 14 and Aug. 21

Power Up Your Summer is funded through a grant received from the California Department of Health and Human Services’ CalFresh Healthy Living (SNAP- Ed). The California Department of Public Health is a public health effort working with hundreds of partners and organizations to empower low-income Californians to live healthier lives through good nutrition and physical activity. Funding is from USDA SNAP. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For important nutrition information, visit www.CaChampionsForChange.net. Funding for Walk and Roll Long Beach is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Original source can be found here.