NRPA and University of Phoenix Partner to Expand Local ‘Commit to Health’ Program

(June 15, 2017)

City of Peoria receives funding for enhanced aquatic and nutrition programs

Ashburn, Va. (June 15, 2017) — Thanks to a newly formed partnership between the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and University of Phoenix College of Health Professions, the city of Peoria, Arizona, is expanding its current out-of-school time programming to include several new aquatic and nutrition programs. The expansion is part of the city’s Commit to Health pledge, a nationwide movement formed by NRPA to create healthier out-of-school time programs.

The city’s new programs include:

  • Tad Pole Strolling, where participants engage in a water walking class
  • Water Warrior Fitness Challenge, where participants are challenged to be active at the pool for at least 30 minutes a day
  • Move and Groove, where participants get into the groove with music and movement in the water
  • Summer Fun Foods, where participants prepare fun, nutritional snacks while learning about safe food handling

“NRPA is thrilled to partner with University of Phoenix to expand the city of Peoria’s Commit to Health program,” said Rebecca Wickline, NRPA senior vice president of partnerships and business development. “Through partnerships like this, we are helping improve the health of communities everywhere.”    

“With our children out of school, it is our responsibility to ensure they have ways to remain active and healthy during the summer months,” said Doris Savron, executive dean for the University of Phoenix College of Health Professions. “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with NRPA to fulfill a shared mission of making these important programs readily accessible to the youth in our communities.”

Now in its third year, NRPA’s Commit to Health campaign, which aims to improve childhood nutrition and increase physical activity through local parks and recreation, has been implemented by 1,250 park and recreation sites nationally — impacting more than 228,000 youth enrolled in out-of-school time programming. To learn more about Commit to Health, visit www.nrpa.org/committohealth.

The 3-year Commit to Health anniversary video and infographic are available here.

To learn more about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org. To learn more about the College of Health Professions, visit www.phoenix.edu/chp.

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About University of Phoenix® College of Health Professions
University of Phoenix College of Health Professions offers leading-edge graduate, undergraduate, certificate, and non-degree programs aimed at preparing students to improve the quality of healthcare in their communities and the industry. The College of Health Professions is helping to ensure that today’s graduates can effectively tackle tomorrow’s healthcare challenges. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu/chp.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc., University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

About The National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have access to parks and recreation for health, conservation and social equity. Through its network of nearly 60,000 recreation and park professionals and advocates, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.