On behalf of myself and the parks and recreation staff, welcome to the 2013 edition of our Spring/ Summer brochure. It is indeed our pleasure to provide you and your families information regarding the exciting program and services we offer.

As I sat down to begin writing my message, I notice that, although there are still signs of winter on the surrounding foothills, the weather has been warming and there are certainly signs that spring is on the way. A lot of us enjoy the winter season and the variety of recreational opportunities provided in this area, but I am also certain that very few of you are disappointed when summer finally does arrive in “the valley”.

As some of you are aware, the Department now offers a complete on-line registration for all our programs and services, made possible through the implementation of a new parks and recreation software program called SportSites. For those of you that have not taken advantage of this service, I encourage you to do so. It is a tool that certainly provides better customer service to the residents of Pocatello. Rather than having to get in your car and make a trip to the Recreation Center to register for a program or reserve a park shelter, you can now conveniently do it from home, work or anyplace by simply using your computer.

In the past, I have, through my “Message from the Director”, discussed that what has been called by some the “obesity epidemic” and the serious health and economic consequences for our country. Just a few facts to share from the CDC and the National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA): 1) since 1980 adult obesity rates have doubled, while childhood obesity rates have more than tripled. Lack of physical activity and poor nutrition are large contributing factors to this problem; 2) A Harvard University - promoted study looking at 2005 data found that the U.S spent $190 billion on obesity related health care expenses – can you imagine what that cost is in 2013. Obesity has placed a major strain on the health care system as more than a quarter of health care costs are now related to obesity. So what can be done to reduce this problem in our country? Well the NRPA, of which the Pocatello Parks and Recreation is a member, and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) have joined forces in an unprecedented goal to get 10 million more kids to spend time in the outdoors over the next three years. Research shows that kids are spending long hours indoors using electronic media yet they spend only a few minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play – this is affecting the health and well-being of our children. Your Parks & Recreation Department is equipped with expertise, access, programs and services to make a contribution towards reversing this disturbing trend and helping achieve the 10 million Kids Outdoor Goal! Please help us in achieving that goal by getting your children involved in the variety of programs we offer.

In closing, I wanted to mention that since 1985 America has celebrated July as the nation’s official Parks & Recreation Month. Join us not only in July, but all through the summer, in recognizing the endless benefits provided by parks & recreation departments throughout the country.

Remember – Pocatello continues to be a great place to live, work and PLAY!

Sincerely,
Jerry Sepich, CPRP
Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Pocatello