Community Corner

Cranston Girl Goes Double Dutch for DEM Summer Program

This photo was taken at the R.I. Great Outdoors Pursuit Double Dutch event, held at the Kent County YMCA recently and sponsored by UnitedHealthcare.

Kyanna Lin, 7, of Cranston, demonstrates perfect form at the second R.I. Great Outdoors Pursuit event, hosted by the R.I. Department of Environmental Management.

Held at the Kent County YMCA on June 10, the event featured a performance by the National Double-Dutch Jump Rope Team, sponsored by UnitedHealthcare. Teams had an opportunity to try their hand at archery, learn how to geo cache, cool off in the YMCA pond and spray park, and meet MaxMan, the recycling hero.

This event is among five guided Pursuit events scheduled in locations throughout the state this summer.

The game takes Rhode Islanders to seven different state parks and forests over a 13-week period. Teams can register at: www.riparks.com. Teams of children and adults are challenged to visit different facilities and take part in outdoor adventures and learn about environmental and health issues.

At the Double Dutch event, participating teams had an opportunity to try their hand at archery, learn how to geo cache, cool off in the YMCA pond and spray park, and meet MaxMan, the recycling hero. There was also a boating safety demonstration, healthy kids cooking demonstration, and other opportunities to explore environmental and nature topics.

Also, a new feature this year at each Pursuit event is the addition of a free electronic waste collection. Items such as home computers, laptops, monitors, televisions, cell phones, and other electronic gadgetry may be dropped off.

The Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit, co-sponsored by DEM and the Rhode Island Department of Health, seeks to connect families with outdoor public spaces and inspire active outdoor lifestyles while educating them about environmental and health issues. All Pursuit events are open to the public, and all teams and families are welcome to participate in the myriad of free activities on site. Participating teams are encouraged to register, although registration is not required. Registration is free and can be done at: www.riparks.com. All activities are either free or low-cost; more information can be found at www.riparks.com/RIOutdoorsPursuit/index.html. Teams receive points for participating in each event and will be eligible for prizes of outdoor equipment donated by local retailers and sponsors that will be awarded at the Pursuit finale on August 18.

Support for the project comes from the Rhode Island Department of Health, Verizon, United Healthcare, Clivus New England and other businesses. A full list of sponsors and partners appears on the program website at www.riparks.com.

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