It’s summer break in the Mile High City, but with a recession lingering, many families are looking for cheap ways to play.
Thanks to a $150,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente, Denver’s pools and recreation centers will be open for free this summer to children 17 and younger.
The donation follows a move by the city of Denver last year to waive fees for thousands of kids.
Even before the recession and before the city was forced to cut $70 million from its budget, Denver officials said they wouldn’t be able to waive the fees forever. Rather, they said they would seek grants to keep the program going. Happily, this year Kaiser was able to step to the plate.
Kaiser Permanente’s generosity means kids can swim and play for free through Aug. 15. (Fees for programs such as swimming lessons still apply.)
We applaud the public service, and hope the free access not only gives children something to do this summer, but also helps keep them healthy.
Hardly a month goes by without a new study or survey pointing out the rise in childhood obesity.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that 32 percent of American children aged 2 to 19 can be classified as overweight, and 17 percent of those are considered obese.
Pools and rec centers can be a fun way to get kids active.
So splash it up, Denver.
And our thanks to Kaiser for serving as a good corporate citizen in providing this opportunity.
