Since Mayor Costas first introduced the Fit City initiative in 2005, more than 5,000 of us have participated in programming to make us healthier and more active. “It’s all about encouraging each other to do more today than we did yesterday,” said Costas. “As a city, we can work together to provide pathways and parks and programs designed to make us a fitter city,” he said. Fit City activities have included walking programs, bike rodeos, fitness challenges, speakers and workshops, and wellness fairs. A Community Garden will be added this spring and walking programs begin in June.
The city’s pathway system is one of the ways Valpo is encouraging activity and interaction. The rapidly growing trail system has nearly tripled since 2004. With the addition of two new pathways along Lincolnway and Bullseye Lake Road last year, the city now has nearly 10 miles of pathways. This year, with the support of the city’s Redevelopment Commission, Valpo Parks will add three more miles of pathways, running along Silhavy and Vale Park to connect with existing pathways.
Fit City is an initiative between the City of Valparaiso, the Mayor’s Office, and the Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation. A committee of representatives from 14 community organizations and a partnership with Porter Hospital organize the initiative.
FIT CITY BY THE NUMBERS
- 5,000+ participants in Fit City programs since 2005
- Nearly 10 miles of pathway currently in the city
- 3 miles of pathway will be added in 2011
- 1,700+ pounds shed in the city’s Biggest Winner challenge (as part of Fit City)
- 400 people have participated in the Biggest Winner since 2007
To learn more, visit valparaisoparks.org and click on “Fit City” under “Classes and Programs.”