Welcome to Fit City - Valparaiso!

Welcome to the City of Valparaiso's FIT CITY!

Early thoughts of a "Fit City" began with Mayor Jon Costas and his passion for fitness as well as overall wellness. Additionally, concerns of rising obesity trends helped to prompt action. Along with the Mayor, the Valparaiso Parks Department has been the driving force behind getting the initiative up and running. Understanding that this community has an abundance of resources, the Parks department has recruited a 'Fit City Council' comprised of representatives from local schools, businesses, and not-for-profits to work together in a community-wide effort to promote healthy lifestyles.

Steps to a Healthier You....as determined by the U.S.D.A....

Through the coordination of the Valparaiso Parks Department, the Fit City initiative encourages Valparaiso residents to be active and involved while spending time with family and friends in a variety of community-based activities. Success will be measured one step at a time as individuals make the commitment to live healthier lifestyles by simply doing more than they did the day before.

To encourage all ages to step to health, the Mayor's Fit City Council will extend a monthly challenge activity to the community. Look for each month to differ in its activity and focus. The council will also identify a variety of new and existing activities that develop one's mind, body, character and community. Mayor Costas and the Fit City Council invite the citizens of Valparaiso to join the Fit City Challenge today!

The Fit City Initiative includes four (4) main ideas:

Mind	Never cease discovering more about yourself or the world.
Body	Physically, be the best you can be.
Character	Challenge yourself, take a step out of the ordinary.
Community	Take time for your family, engage in social activities with friends, or meet someone new.

Please join us as we "move" towards a healthier, more active lifestyle this year, and for many years to come. Fit City is an iniative between the City of Valparaiso, Mayor's Office, and the Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation.

*Fit City Tips:*
•	How to Achieve 10,000 Steps per Day!
•	Step Up To Health Neighborhood Walking Routes (05/23/06)
*What's Coming Up:*
•	*Fit City Events for 2008*
•	*Fit City announces its BIGGEST WINNER 2008 program from January 19 - March 15, 2008.*
*Media Center:*
•	Shop & Dine Downtown Valpo by Bicycle Discount Program
•	*CLUB JANO - Group Bicycle Rides for all levels!*
•	Fitness Fun with OE
•	Fit City-Valparaiso!
*Other Links:*
•	State of Indiana's INShape Indiana
•	Volunteer through the United Way
•	The Walking Site
•	Women's Heart Foundation
•	Kidnetic.com
•	MyPyramid.gov
•	Indiana Bicycle Coalition
•	Walk & Bike to School
•	O E Runners.org