Local city aims to get fit with local wellness park

The city of Calexico is about to become a bit more active.

A ceremony was held for a new wellness park that provides the community with access to exercise equipment anytime of the day.

State and city officials gathered at J.F. Kennedy Park in partnership with Heffernan Memorial Healthcare District to try out some of the new exercise equipment.

“We’re fighting obesity, we have some of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the country,” said Ben Hueso, California State Senator.

“We’re talking about improving the quality of life through investments in parks and rec. Which ultimately lead to a healthier community,” said Eduardo Garcia, State Assemblymember of the 56th District.

The efforts of the new park were recognized by both Senator Hueso and Assemblymember Garcia, each issuing a certificate of recognition.

“We have a high population of people here that are diabetics, that have high blood pressure and what a better way to come in your own neighborhood without having to go to a gym which a lot of people here in Calexico cannot afford to go to a gym,” said Sylvia Bernal, Board President of Heffernan Memorial Healthcare District.

This is the fifth wellness park installed in the city of Calexico. Officials today are saying today that they hope this equipment will help people become more active.

Officials also spoke of a 3.3 billion dollar bond that they are working on obtaining to help invest into greater parks.

“Forty percent of that money is targeted for disadvantaged communities, communities that are park poor communities, and communities that have young populations,” added Garcia.

“Healthcare is being attacked at the federal level and less people have access to healthcare, if this administration has something to do with it and we are very concerned about that, and this is part of the strategy to help keep people healthy,” exclaimed Hueso.