Sandy Springs To Celebrate Kids To Parks Day

The city of Sandy Springs will take part in a grassroots movement to discover American parks through play. 

The city on Saturday, May 17 will commemorate National Park Trust's fourth annual Kids To Parks Day. 
 
In concert with the nationwide effort, children of all ages are encouraged to participate in festivities from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Hammond Park, located at 705 Hammond Drive.

Activities will include field day races, KidzArt, face painting, inflatables, water slides, the Sandy Springs Fire Rescue Safety House and more. The celebration is free to attend.  
 
At a time when nearly 1 in 3 children are either overweight or obese, communities are witnessing sky-rocketing rates of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels in children, the city said in a news release.

Like Sandy Springs, other cities across the nation are committing to a simple motto: “active kids are healthy kids” and encouraging their residents to use Kids to Parks Day as the first of many days spent outdoors, at local parks and recreation sites, to develop more active, healthy lifestyles. 

Mayor Rusty Paul said the city is "blessed' to have more than 11 parks children can utilize for physical activity. 

"Kids to Park Day provides an excellent reminder for all to take time to get outdoors and enjoy the healthy benefits of sun and fun," Paul said. "I hope everyone will join us on the 17th as we celebrate the City’s parks and recreation opportunities." 
 
The Trust is working with numerous cities and towns, including those affiliated with First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Cities and Towns program, which is designed to encourage mayors and elected officials to adopt policies and programs that create systemic changes, reducing childhood obesity. It's also creating a national tally of participating residents and is encouraging individuals and families to visit www.kidstoparks.org and sign up to be counted. 
 
For more information, visit www.sandyspringsga.gov or call the Citizen Response Center at 770-730-5600.