Springfield is 'Fit City'

Among seven

Minnesota

communities

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor Tim Pawlenty and Commissioner of Health Dianne Mandernach announced Thursday that Springfield has been designated a Governor's Fit City.

"The leaders of Springfield have made a strong commitment to promoting physical activity opportunities," Pawlenty said. "This commitment will help keep Springfield citizens healthy for years to come."

Springfield joins six other state cities cited for providing physical activity opportunities for people who live, work and play within the city.

Woodbury and Springfield were the latest communities approved for such recognition. Other cities earning the designation earlier this year were Wabasha, Lanesboro, Stillwater, Rochester and Houston.

Springfield achieved the designation by completing an application with the Minnesota Department of Health and meeting requirements.

Criteria include city adoption of a value statement affirming the importance of fitness; inviting places to walk; sponsoring at least one fitness activity; and recreation areas that encourage fitness.

Springfield was cited for its cohesive park and trails system, community center, and increased measures for pedestrian and bicyclist safety.

"Physical activity improves nearly every aspect of a person's health," Mandernach said. "It contributes to better overall health for the entire community. We encourage all cities to become Governor's Fit Cities."

Springfield will receive a plaque from Pawlenty and Mandernach. It has the option of placing "Governor's Fit City" signs on roads that enter the city.

The Governor's Fitness Challenge allows citizens to track their fitness online at www.beactiveminnesota.org.

Using the new Physical Activity Journal, citizens can log the number of minutes they engage in physical activity each day with an ultimate goal of reaching 2005 minutes to receive the Governor's award.

The Challenge will be available for Minnesotans to register and participate throughout the year.

More information about the program can be found at www.health.state.mn.us/fitcity.

Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com