9-23-2019 6:50pm

City Seeks New Funding for Popular Youth Recreation Program

The ever-popular Rec-On-The-Go youth recreation program needs a new source of funding.

The program came back to Saline parks in the 2018 thanks to a $5,000 grant from Washtenaw County Building Healthy Communities and thanks to donations from Saline resident Diane Mukkala.

The program reached between 30 and 70 children a day reached 294 children last year, according to Sunshine Lambert, of Saline Parks and Recreation. Lambert estimate those children took more than 4 million steps.

"The goal is to help children meet the CDC's recommendations for 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous exercise. It's an old fashion program but it's very effective," Lambert said.

The program has grown in popularity. In 2018 it attracted about 20 kids a day. That number climbed to about 30 with a peak of 74.

Mayor Brian Marl said the program was "near and dear to his heart" and praised the recreation department's administration of the program.

The free program "also provides programs for adults and kids who might not have many other options," Marl said.

Councillor Janet Dillon said her kids went through the program.

"At a time when kids are content to veg out in front of a TV or gaming, this program gives kids the chance to meet other kids who want to play," Dillon said.

Council voted 6-0 to approve a request for the MI Big Green Gym Healthy Recreation Catalyst Award. It's a partnership between mParks and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The grant is four $5,000.