LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Health Department and the Maryland-National
Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks and Recreation will join Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, in the Step it Up! Family Fitness Club kickoff
event to launch the start of a 12-week walking and running club at various parks, tracks and trails
in Prince George’s County. The kickoff will take place on April 27, 2016, at 5:30 p.m., at Oxon
Hill Manor in Oxon Hill, MD.
This initiative is inspired by the County’s mission to reduce the risk of residents developing
chronic diseases, and to encourage everyone to say “YES” to a healthier lifestyle. The goal of
this fitness campaign is to positively impact the health outcomes of chronic diseases that include
Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Osteoarthritis, and other diseases. In Prince George’s County,
67.6% of adults are classified as overweight or obese, and this County initiative will provide
opportunities for families and residents to participate in fun physical activities.
In May, the campaign will support two community 5K events that include the Healthy Trails 5K
Walk/Run on May 7, 2016, at 8:00 a.m. at Lake Artemesia, located at the former Aero Squadron
Parking Lot, 5240 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD; and the Sisters 4 Fitness 5K
Walk/Run on May 14, 2016, at 8:00 a.m., at the Bowie Town Center Fountain, 15606 Emerald
Way Blvd., Bowie, MD. The Step it Up! Family Fitness Club will occur on the first and third
Wednesdays of each month from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at various parks, tracks and trails in the
County, starting June 2016 and continuing through November 2016.
WHO:
The Honorable Rushern L. Baker, III, Prince George’s County Executive
The Honorable Obie Patterson, Prince George’s County Council Member, District 8
Betty Hewlett, Chair, Prince George’s County, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning
Commission
Pamela Creekmur, Health Officer, Prince George’s County Health Department
Ronnie Gathers, Director, Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation
Ernest Carter, MD, Deputy Health Officer, Prince George’s County Health Department
Deborah McGruder, Associate Director, Health & Wellness Division, Prince George’s Health
Department
WHAT:
Step it Up! Family Fitness Club kickoff event
WHEN:
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Oxon Hill Manor
6901 Oxon Hill Road
Oxon Hill, MD 20745