Gardens, Bikes, and Children’s Health
Community health is a concern for all of us. When it comes to children, we have a responsibility to provide safe, fun, and responsible models for healthy living. We’ve heard that children need 1 hour a day of physical activity to help them grow into healthy adults. This summer, Blue Island has focused on gardens and biking as a way to introduce healthy lifestyles.
On Saturday, October 2 a group of volunteers helped build a new community garden at the Tommy A. Brown Sports Association. The TABSA Garden features 2000 s.f. of garden plots and will be ready for gardeners next spring. Excited, kids from the neighborhood were invited to plant some cold-weather crops, including hearty greens and carrots. Getting kids involved in gardening is a rewarding way to introduce new tastes - the time and hard work put into growing crops almost ensures they’ll try it! Even for old favorites, growing in a community garden is good for your health, providing the freshest produce and reducing pollution.
School District 130’s Bike Day takes a unique spin on International Walk to School Day with their “WALK-N-ROLL” event. Wednesday, October 5, around 400 kids - most from Kerr and Veterans - take over the streets of Blue Island by bike, touring past each elementary school in Blue Island. It’s a unique experience for the children, and the freedom of a large group ride brings smiles to all. Imagine what fun you’d have riding up the middle of Western Ave with a pack of your friends! Graduates from Cal-Sag Cycles helped lead the pack, demonstrating safe and responsible bike skills.
We’re seeing a true community effort being built here in Blue Island, and it shows with all the support from local business. For the community garden, thanks to all that donated time and materials: Doran’s Landscape, Blue Island Equipment Rental, Ultra Foods, and El Ranchito. For bike day, thanks to: SD130 School Board, teachers and staff at Kerr and Vets, and the Cal-Sag Cycles crew.
