Wednesday, Mar. 03, 2010
MARCH 4 EDITORIAL
County's agencies cooperate to produce outstanding program
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After such a relentless winter, it seems too good to believe that spring could really only be two weeks away. And such thoughts immediately bring to mind visions of getting outside and expending some pent-up energy in the sunshine.
The Cass County Health Department is trying an innovative new project this year, in conjunction with the parks and recreation departments of Belton, Raymore and Pleasant Hill. The partnership, called “Get Fit – Cass County,” is a wellness challenge that uses the Katy Trail System as its focal point. Encouraging residents to track their walking mileage, the program combines the ideas of promoting activity and enjoying the beauty of Missouri’s parks system, according to Tiffany Klassen, director of the county’s health department.
Incentives and post-assessment prizes will be offered in connection with the six-week program, and registration begins March 8. The program itself will run from April 1 through May 12.
This is a prime example of the type of interagency cooperation that can and should continue despite crippling budget cuts and financial difficulties faced by nearly every government agency as well as most of the county’s citizens.
It costs nothing to participate in, the benefits are too numerous to count, and the administration is split among local organizations so that the burden isn’t overwhelming for any.
And, it brings attention to one of Cass County’s newest and most exciting attractions – our own entrance to the cross-state Katy Trail. Now if walking weather would only hurry up and arrive!
