Outdoors event slated to test families' appetites for fun

Sidestepping its vision of hosting a triathlon, the Carson Area Coalition on Obesity is opting instead for something simpler to get families off the couch.

Family Fun Night, scheduled for July 18 at Mills Park, will be used to help determine whether the community responds to healthy, outdoor family events. The coalition, in conjunction with the Carson City Department of Recreation, is planning the event.

"This is just the start," said Barbara Singer, superintendent of the Department of Recreation. "The whole idea is to get families to do things together and families recreating together - that's not sitting on the couch and watching the television."

The event begins at 6 p.m. with a free, light dinner of sub sandwiches, fruit and vegetables and the one beverage always found at health-conscious events: water.

Thereafter, three outdoor options will be available: biking around the park (helmets available), games with a "parachute" canopy or relay races.

"This is just to test the water to see if people will come out and be active as a family, to see if people are so busy they can't even come to the park for one night," said Barbara Howe, a health division nutritionist on the coalition.

Howe, who is running for school board this fall, is an advocate of healthy living.

She bikes to work every day, which she says provides fresh air, exercise and the opportunity for social interaction.

"When you stop at a sign, you're not enclosed in your car," she said. "You can talk with people waiting to cross the street."

She said the triathlon remains a hope - next spring perhaps. The triathlon would include swimming, biking and running segments which families and friends could do. Clinics would be available for training.

"The obesity coalition's goal is to raise awareness and we want to provide opportunities for people to move," Howe said.

Family Fun Night will feature Michele Cowee, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, answering nutrition questions.

To attend, call Singer at 887-2290 ext. 100. A message may be left, but reservations need to be made so organizers know how much food is needed.

"I hope the people that come will want to do more activities," Singer said.

The coalition, composed of about 20 people, meets 7:30-9 a.m. the first Tuesday of every month. This month's meeting is scheduled for today at 3427 Goni Road, Suite 108. The public is invited.

• Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.

If you go

What: Family Fun Night

Where: Mills Park, Pavilion A

When: 6 p.m. July 18

Cost: Free, including food and bikes

RSVP: Barbara Singer at 887-2290, ext. 100, leave a message