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Alabama State Parks
Partner with Scale Back
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Alabama State Parks has partnered with
Scale Back Alabama to offer three free weekends to Scale Back participants
during the 10-week contest. Entrance and parking fees at all 22 Alabama State
Parks will be waived for Scale Back Alabama participants on February 20-21,
March 20-21, and April 3-4. To qualify for free admission and parking,
participants must show either a printed confirmation email or yellow weigh-in
card at the park gate. Special guided hikes will be held at various parks during
the three free Scale Back weekends. Information about the guided hikes will be
posted to the State Parks and Scale Back Alabama Web sites as it becomes
available.
“We are proud to be working with Scale
Back Alabama to promote outdoor activities that lead to healthier lifestyles,”
said Mark Easterwood, Director of Alabama State Parks. “With the hundreds of
miles of trails in our State Park system the partnership is a perfect fit.”
In addition to the Scale Back activities,
various Alabama State Parks Resort Lodges will be offering “Healthy Options”
weekend packages for health conscious park visitors. From walking the day use
areas to hiking or biking the trails, Alabama State Parks offer several outdoor
adventures that not only burn calories, but refresh the mind and create lasting
memories. For more information about the many exciting outdoor exercise
opportunities and the “Healthy Options” weekend packages visit the various
parks’ pages at www.alapark.com.
According to Miriam Gaines, Nutrition and
Physical Activity Director for the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH),
the state’s obesity problem is due in part to a lack of physical activity.
“Providing a place to go outside and walk that is in a safe area is key to
helping people become more active,” Gaines said. “I am so pleased that
Alabama State Parks is providing such a wonderful opportunity for the Scale Back
Alabama participants.”
Rosemary Blackmon, spokesperson for the
Alabama Hospital Association agrees. "Developing a fun physical activity
routine is important for the entire family.” Blackmon said. “The Scale Back
Alabama partnership with Alabama State Parks will hopefully raise awareness
about the importance of leading a healthier lifestyle.”
Scale Back Alabama is a public awareness
campaign hosted by Alabama's hospitals, the Alabama Department of Public Health,
Barber's Dairies and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama that encourages
Alabamians to lose weight. More than 40,000 Alabamians participated in the 2009
campaign and lost a combined 183,135 pounds. For information visit www.scalebackalabama.com.
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