Be involved in the first Family Fitness and Fun Park Build!

How often have your brought your children—or grandchildren—to a playground and sat on the sidelines watching while they had fun? Have you ever thought that children shouldn’t be the only ones who get to enjoy playgrounds?

On Tuesday, March 9—the day the 2010 Annual Meeting in New Orleans begins—you’ll have the opportunity to see that dream realized. Even more, you could be part of making it happen.

Join fellow orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals, community members, and industry representatives in building the first AAOS Family Fitness and Fun Park. This unique design gives children, parents, and grandparents the opportunity for physical activity together.

The focal point of the park will be a safe, accessible playground where children ages 5 to 12 years, with and without disabilities, can play safely together. Surrounding the playground will be balance, flexibility, and strength equipment as well as a walking/running track for aerobic exercise. Every generation in a family will be able to find a way to get fit and have fun together.

The various activities of the park will help reduce and prevent falls, build strong bones, and give those recovering from joint replacement a safe place to exercise. The different stations will include descriptions of how to do the exercises, why they are important, and how to prevent injuries.

Buses will run between the build site and the Ernest Morial Convention Center from 7 a.m.–4 p.m. The ribbon-cutting will take place around 3:30 p.m. Music, breakfast, and lunch will be provided. No experience is necessary to help; seasoned project managers will be on site to oversee the build. Annual Meeting attendees will receive a meeting badge ribbon at the playground build site. All volunteers will receive detailed information prior to the event.

Help make this project that much more memorable for the community of New Orleans—spend just a couple hours or the entire day. To volunteer, visit aaos.org/fitnessbuild, or contact the AAOS public relations department by phone at (847) 384-4036, or by e-mail.

Remember to schedule your travel so that you can participate. You’ll have a great time and a memorable experience!