Miami-Dade County Parks is extending its free ''Enhance Fitness'' Exercise Classes to 'Veterans' age 55 and over
(MIAMI, June 23, 2014) — The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department, as part of its ongoing efforts to help older adults discover the joy and benefits of improving their health and well-being through active recreation, has extended its free Active Adults 55+ “Enhance Fitness®” exercise classes to veterans age 55 and over. The endeavor is presented in conjunction with the Health Foundation of South Florida (HFSF), the Miami Veterans Administration Healthcare System – Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) and the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD).
Enhance Fitness®, a feature of the Miami-Dade Parks Active Adults 55+ program, is a nationally-recognized evidence-based exercise program that is specifically designed to improve functional fitness and well-being in older adults. Participants join a certified instructor for a full hour of fun, physical fitness activities that include stretching, low-impact aerobics, strength-training, flexibility and balance techniques.
Miami-Dade County Parks’ Enhance Fitness® classes are offered three times a week at the Active Adults 55+ program hubs listed below. Class days and times vary per park.
- Arcola Lakes Park, 1301 NW 83 Street, Miami – (305) 836-5095
- Continental Park, 10000 SW 82 Avenue, Miami – (305) 274-9666
- Country Village Park, 6550 NW 188 Terrace, Miami – (305) 622-2594
- Deerwood Bonita Lakes, 14445 SW 122 Avenue, Miami – (305) 234-1660
- Goulds Park, 11350 SW 216 Street, Miami – (305) 255-2399
- Gwen Cherry Park, 7090 NW 22 Avenue, Miami – (305) 694-4889
- North Trail Park, 780 NW 127 Avenue, Miami – (305) 207-2420
- South Dade Park, 28151 SW 164 Avenue, Miami – (305) 247-9453
- Westwind Lakes Park, 6805 SW 152 Avenue, Miami – (305) 388-4771
Funding to establish the local Enhance Fitness® initiative for veterans was provided through a $9,975 federal grant from NACDD and a $24,000 community-based grant from the HFSF and its Age-Friendly Initiative. HFSF is part of a national effort aimed at helping communities become more age friendly, meaning “great places in which to both grow up and grow old”.
For more information about Miami-Dade County Parks’ Active Adults 55+ program visit them on the web at www.miamidade.gov/parks or call Allan Tavss at (786) 372-9701.
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About the Health Foundation of South Florida:
Health Foundation of South Florida, a nonprofit grant-making organization, is dedicated to improving health in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. By funding providers and supporting programs to promote health and prevent disease, the Foundation makes a measurable and sustainable impact in the health of individuals and families. For its nationally recognized Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative, the Foundation has allocated $8.75 million over five years to community partners for programs designed to improve the health of older adults. Since 1993, Health Foundation has awarded more than $104 million in grants and program support.
About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department:
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award, winner of the 2013 Florida Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award and the 2009 Florida Governor’s Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade County Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and 12,825 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 Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more. For information about Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks/.
Miami-Dade County Parks is supported by The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s efforts 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. For more information on the Parks Foundation, please visit www.liveaparklife.org.
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