The schedule of events includes an opening parade showcasing the children from participating child care centers, a Pee Wee challenge to include sack races, tug-of-war, varying track-and-field challenges, and more. Contestants are asked to bring their own tricycles for Trike-a-thon. Other featured events include box car racing; Miami-Dade Parks Winter Break 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 event, which is open to families with young children and to child care providers, will introduce and showcase Miami-Dade Parks' after-school programs, as well as provide an opportunity for families to be physically active through a variety of family-oriented activities.  This event is 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 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces 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 Esther Jacobo, DCF Southern Region Managing 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 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces:
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 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces 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 Licensing 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 the regulatory framework that helps to ensure the health, safety and well-being of children while in child 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 goal of this program is to train child care providers in increasing physical activity, improving nutrition and alternative activities that reduce screen time among children ages 2-5. The overarching goal is the adoption of policy, environment, and system changes in child care centers across Miami-Dade County, thereby reducing obesity throughout.

About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com and wachovia.com), and other distribution channels across North America and internationally. With more than 270,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in America. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 23 on Fortune's 2011 rankings of America's largest corporations. Wells Fargo's vision is to satisfy all our customers' financial needs and help them succeed financially.