At the September 17, 2021 Commission meeting, a discussion on launching a health and wellness incentive initiative was referred to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC).

During the October 22, 2021 FERC meeting, Commissioner Arriola focused on having health and wellness at the forefront of the community by using initiatives such as festivals, activating parks and other ideas. The Parks and Recreation Director, John Rebar, gave an update on several ideas that the department has been focusing on with the goal of the initiative to build an annual, on-going calendar of programs (such as yoga, bootcamps, etc.), in addition to high-end events and opportunities that will expose and bring health and wellness awareness to participants and spectators.

Ideas included large scale fitness competitions similar in nature to Ragnar, Tough Mudd and Wodapalooza. Other concepts may include a “Battle of the Gyms” to engage local gyms to showcase their offerings in the park or beach, partnerships with local and global health and wellness partners, Citywide fitness challenges, watersports competitions such as beach open swims and paddle boarding, and several free fitness opportunities for all ages and levels.

Since the October 2021 FERC meeting, the department has begun executing some of these ideas and is actively planning for more.

The Department began to offer “Yoga in the Park” at its new location in Lummus Park on December 5, 2021. Classes are also held at Collins Park and North Beach Bandshell Park on a weekly basis, offering five opportunities each week. Another opportunity for the community to participate in the City’s health initiative is on Saturday’s at Lummus Park for “HIIT at Lummus with ROYAFIT”. All these opportunities are free to the public and for all ages.

Most recently, the Parks and Recreation Department hosted the City’s first Jingle Jog 2k Run for the community on Sunday, December 19, 2021. A total of 70 participants registered and enjoyed a morning run and several activities at the finish line, such as face painting, an imagination playground, DJ dance party, and demos by various fitness and wellness professionals.

During the month of January 2022, the City offered free entry into the fitness centers for residents at Scott Rakow Youth Center and North Shore Park Youth Center. The Parks and Recreation Department also initiated the first Citywide Step Challenge, “Step Into 2022” which ran from January 10^th through February 10^th with participants garnering a cumulative total of 6,672,848 steps in one month. Prizes for the top winners included: a three (3) month membership to Sweat 440, a Mirror (interactive smart gym), the Tempo (smart home gym) and a Fight Camp (interactive at-home boxing equipment). January also saw the start of the Department’s new competitive swim team program at the Scott Rakow Youth Center Pool.

During the January 20, 2022 City Commission meeting, Resolution No. 2022-3186 was approved awarding a contract pursuant to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 2021-320-AY for Fitness Programming at Lummus Park. Currently, the Parks and Recreation Department is in negotiations with the selected proposer. If successful, the City Manager and City Clerk will execute an agreement.

The Parks and Recreation Department has been working with the Marketing and Communications Department to promote wellness and fitness opportunities available to residents and visitors alike. The current MB Magazine features a story highlighting the many health and fitness programs and amenities that cater to all with a “something for everybody” approach, as well as a full listing of locations on where to find local parks, tennis and golf facilities, kayak launches, fitness gyms and outdoor workout stations.

Below is a list of health and wellness activations the Department is currently exploring for the community:

·         Beach Cycling – Cycling spin classes on the beach

·         Paddleboard Yoga

·         Seniors Champion Soccer Program

Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Department will be reaching out to local gyms and fitness enthusiasts to gauge interest in participating in the 1^st “Battle of the Gyms” to be scheduled for Spring/Summer at Lummus Park.

The Department is also focusing on bringing large scale events to the City, which will bring a greater awareness to health and wellness in the City. As a result, the Department is actively engaged with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau to provide park offerings for events and sports tourism related activities.

Continue discussions regarding the City’s ongoing Health and Wellness Incentive Initiative and return with an update at the May 2022 FERC committee meeting.