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(DALLAS) – As families deal with the physical and emotional challenges presented by the COVID-19 outbreak, City of Dallas park and recreation experts are sharing how families can enjoy recreation and leisure activities while protecting themselves at home.
Dallas Park and Recreation Department has launched Rec@Home, a weekly video series that highlights fitness for families and senior adults and children’s easy-to-make crafts and snacks. The public can view the videos on the department’s website DallasParks.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using DallasParkRec.
Written, filmed, edited and produced in-house by park and recreation employees, the Rec@Home videos – five- to 10-minutes long - give easy step-by-step instruction and demonstrations in low-impact step exercise, Zumba™, chair workouts for senior adults, high-energy boot camp fitness, crafts for kids, and healthy snacks preparation.
“At a time when families are spending more time together, activities for children and parents are critical to their well-being and ability to manage the challenges resulting from this pandemic. With our recreational facilities closed, residents can still stay energetic with Rec@Home’s easy-to-follow videos that show them the types of recreation suitable for indoor enjoyment,” said John D. Jenkins, Dallas Park and Recreation interim director.
From the onset of the global health crisis, park employees began brainstorming ways they would encourage residents to remain committed to their established fitness routines and healthy lifestyles practices in the event of mandatory city facility closings that would include Dallas’ 43 recreation centers.
"This is a difficult time for all and Dallas Park and Recreation is focused on finding ways to stay connected and engaged with our participants. We’re particularly focused on connecting with our senior population. We know that seniors utilize our facilities and programs for more than health and wellness programs; many come to our facilities for purely for socialization," said Crystal R. Ross, assistant director for the department's Recreation Services Division.
"It’s imperative that seniors have an opportunity to interact with others, social isolation can be tough. We’ll continue to think of innovative ways to remain connected through our temporary closure," said Ross.
Rec@Home is a free online resource for families and a creative way recreation professionals can stay connected with residents and communities they provide with recreation activities.
County and city restrictions on public use of facilities has led the park department to close its recreation centers, golf courses, tennis centers, athletic fields and park playgrounds and cancel or postpone scheduled programmed activities and special events including the always popular children’s egg hunts, annual Senior Mother’s Day Luncheon and It’s My Park Day citywide park beatification.
Dallas parks and trails will remain open to the public and park officials are asking visitors to practice social distancing of at least six feet while at the parks. Dallas Park and Recreation will provide coronavirus updates on its website DallasParks.org and social media sites.
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