The schedule of events includes an opening parade showcasing the children from participating child care centers, cultural performances, a Pee Wee challenge to include sack races, tug-of-war, varying track-and-field challenges, and more.  Other featured events include a Trike-a-thon and contestants are asked to bring their own tricycles; box car racing; Miami-Dade Parks summer camp and after-school Fit-to-Play demonstrations, activities and on-site registrations; bubble-blowing contests; food vendors; face painting; a Farmer's Market; and much more. 

The kick-off event, which is open to families with young children and to child care providers, will introduce and showcase Miami-Dade Parks' summer camp and after-school programs, as well as provide an opportunity for families to be physically active through a variety of family-oriented activities.  This is the first of many events countywide that are intended to promote a healthier Miami-Dade.

"This is a great opportunity to work together with these community partners in the common goal of introducing families to the fundamental philosophy of 'play' for both children and adults," said Jack Kardys, Director of Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department.  "We live in a society where there is so much technology that parents and children are not communicating, or where it's easier to sit before a television screen or computer.  An event like this will give parents and children an opportunity to enjoy the parks and their programming and to play together."

"We at DCF are excited about Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) and its mission to reduce childhood obesity," said Jacqui Colyer, DCF Southern Region Director.  They are educating and training child care providers in doing so by increasing physical activity, providing nutritious meals and reducing the time children spend in front of a TV or computer screen.  Plus a family that plays together stays together," she added.

About Miami-Dade Park and Recreation
Miami-Dade Parks, the nationally accredited, three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award and 2009 winner of the Florida Governor's Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, is the third largest county park system in the United States consisting of 263 parks and more than 12,848 acres of land.  It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Ericsson Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.

About The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade
The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting the Miami-Dade Park & Recreation Department's effort to further develop Miami-Dade County's world-class parks system for residents and visitors.  Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities.

About the Department of Children and Families
The Department of Children and Families, Child Care Services Program, is statutorily responsible for the administration of child care licensing and training throughout Florida. The purpose of this program is to ensure that children are well cared for in a safe, healthy, positive and educational environment by trained, qualified child care staff. The Child Care program provides a regulatory framework that helps to ensure the health, safety and well-being of children while in care.

About Communities Putting Prevention to Work
Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) is a grant that operates in tandem with the Department of Children and Families and the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade. The program's goal is to increase access to and consumption of healthy food and beverages, reduce availability of poor, nutrient-rich foods; require daily physical activity, and limit screen time among children 2-5 years of age through the adoption of policy, environment, and system changes in child care centers across Miami-Dade County.