It’s day two of 2023, and you might be thinking about getting fit for the new year. To help those looking to get moving, the Chicago Park District is hosting a free week of fitness.

Welcome back this morning glad you're Here day two of 2023 and if you're like Myself you may be thinking about just Trying to get fit for the new year yeah We're all thinking about that right now To help those looking to get moving the Chicago Park District is holding a free Week of Fitness so Megan Boyle is the Wellness manager with the Chicago Park District joining us live via Zoom right Now and Megan thank you so much for Joining us this morning and tell us more About this free Fitness week and what Residents can get out of it Great thank you so much for having the Park district available Um I would like to promote our free Fitness week what this includes is our Fitness centers we have 69 fitness Centers across the city of Chicago and All the membership Requirements and fees have been waived For this week so it started December 30th and we'll run through the 8th of January Um so we have the fitness centers in our Park locations you can visit our website At chicagoparkdistrict.com to find a Convenient location for you whether it's Close to work or close to home Um and we highly recommend during this Time to pre-register so you can register Online Um but you can also walk into a park

That has a fitness center and register That day on site I do want to let Everyone know that today all of our Buildings are closed and observing the New Year holiday But starting tomorrow we were back open And we're ready to accept everyone into Our Parks Um and we're here to motivate our Residents to exercise more by moving and Enjoying whatever sort of activity they Like whether it's walking weight lifting Or even Um joining our fitness classes which are Not a part of this promotion but do Start January 9th okay I was going to Ask about that like would you could you Join some of the classes that you guys Offer is this just for the actual Fitness centers themselves Yeah so this is just for the fitness Centers themselves we do have a variety Of equipment in each location but Um like I said starting January 9th we Do have Fitness classes lap swim and Different ways to be physically active In our parks for individuals to register For and Megan what is what's the purpose What's the overall reason for doing this So we as the park district have always Had the mission to get our residents Active and moving and finding something That they enjoy it's also a social Setting

Um but improving their health and taking Hi Maddie sorry Um having Um individuals start their goals and to Get active in the Parks and have Opportunities for adults seniors youth Also oh Megan thank you so much for Joining us I love what you guys are Doing and uh thanks for joining us have A great new year thank you you too

The Chicago Sports Events Culture

It is no secret that Chicago has a thriving sports culture. Whether it’s the Chicago Cubs, Bears, or Blackhawks, Chicago sports fans are loyal to a fault. In fact, in a recent poll conducted by the Chicago Tribune, the city was voted the best sports town in America.

As the largest metropolitan area in the state, Chicago has an active sporting scene. In fact, the city has hosted several major sports events in the past. The most notable being the 2010 Stanley Cup finals. Not to be outdone, the Chicago Bulls ruled the hardwood in the early nineties.

Chicago’s athletic culture has been a recipient of many awards. For example, in the recent past the aforementioned Blackhawks have won two Stanley Cups. That’s a feat in and of itself. Similarly, the Bears have maintained a symbiotic relationship with the White Sox, providing funding for their respective athletic programs. This has been a win-win for all parties involved.

However, the most important feat of sports is that it has helped to create an esprit de corps among Chicagoans. Whether it’s the fans or the players, the sport has a way of unifying a town. Sports have also been credited with a number of other good deeds. These include the creation of 456,000 jobs in the state in 2013.

With that said, a good sports festival can serve as a catalyst for civic engagement. A successful event can help a community get active, reduce crime, and even improve the quality of life.