Community Challenge - Help Grand Traverse County Win $10,000 for Parks and Recreation

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – A "healthy" competition between Kalamazoo, Marquette, and Grand Traverse County to see who can log the most physical activity is in full swing! The Blues’ Community Challenge—a community wellness competition, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan—encourages individuals of all ages to commit to improving their health by getting active.

 

And prize money is on the line! Blue Cross Blue Shield will distribute a total of $24,000 between the three Challenge communities, with the largest amount, $10,000, being awarded to the community that takes first place. The money must be spent on a recreational program or project that enhances public health and wellness. In Grand Traverse County the next wellness project that meets the criteria is the rebuilding of Kids Cove Playground.

 

“We’re not only excited about promoting health and wellness in our community but we’re excited about the partnerships this program will pilot,” said Jason Jones, director of Grand Traverse County Parks & Recreation. “Our partnerships with MRPA and Blue Cross Blue Shield are fantastic, but we’re also excited about the local partnerships that are being developed through the long-term health and wellness of our community.”

 

The challenge officially began April 27 and ends June 22, 2013, but Grand Traverse County residents and visitors can still join regardless of age or abilities. Participants will keep track of their physical activity by logging miles of exercise. The winner will be determined by the total number of logged miles in each community. Follow these steps to join Team Grand Traverse:

 

1. Log on to www.walkingworks.com and click “SIGN UP”

2. For your plan, select “Michigan Blue Cross and Blue Shield”

3. For your group, select “2013 MI Big Green Gym – Blues Community Challenge”

4. Select “Team Grand Traverse” under the team list

5. Log your daily activity on the website through June 22 to help your team win

 

“We look forward to showcasing this partnership through friendly competition and welcome everyone to join Team Grand Traverse—whether you’re an active participant, community member, or a team cheerleader,” Jones said.

 

The City of Kalamazoo, Marquette and Grand Traverse Counties were invited to compete by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The event is designed to promote overall well-being and healthy lifestyles through use of parks and recreation facilities. Visit www.mrpaonline.org/Programs/MI-Big-Green-Gym for a list of ways to stay active outdoors and events to attend in your community.

 

The Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation Department creates community through recreational opportunities at its many diverse parks. Located in the County’s Civic Center Building in Traverse City, the department oversees and acts as the steward for: Beitner Park; the 45-acre Civic Center building and grounds, including Easling Pool and Howe Arena; the Keystone Soccer Complex and Birmley Property; Medalie Park; Maple Bay Park; Meyer Property; Nature Education Reserve; Power and Bassett Islands; Twin Lakes Park; and the VASA Trailhead. The department carries out the goals and objectives established by the Parks and Recreation Commission, a ten-member body appointed by the County Board of Commissioners. Grand Traverse County’s overall parks and recreation mission is to “enhance community and quality of life through people, parks, and programs.

 

Founded in 1935, the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) provides advocacy, resources and professional development opportunities to a devoted and diverse membership of park and recreation agencies, professionals, vendors and advocates. MRPA exists to provide members with resources, to advocate for the profession and to prove parks and recreation matter. For more information, please visit www.mrpaonline.org. Follow MRPA on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit organization, provides and administers health benefits to more than 4.4 million members residing in Michigan in addition to members of Michigan-headquartered groups who reside outside the state. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more company information, visit www.bcbsm.com.