Pierre, S.D. –The National League of Cities (NLC) recently recognized the City of Pierre for completing key health and wellness goals established by the Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC) initiative. LMCTC is a nationwide effort to help ensure kids grow up healthy.
Pierre received bronze, silver and gold medals for promoting My Plate, My Place, a campaign component designed to help people make healthy food choices. Pierre also received a silver medal for helping to expand access to programs that offer children healthy food.
“By improving access to healthy foods and creating opportunities for physical fitness, Pierre is helping to create a healthier future for our nation’s children,” said National League of Cities President Melodee Colbert-Kean, councilmember and former mayor, Joplin, Mo.
Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill says that Pierre has had a long-standing goal of creating a healthy environment in Pierre.
“Our recreation department has really worked hard to provide citizens of all ages with a variety of opportunities to stay healthy,” said Mayor Gill. “The rec department continues to pursue outdoor amenities that encourage physical activity, expand its recreational programming, and serve as a strong partner for healthy eating initiatives.”
According to Mayor Gill, the Fourth Street Play Trail, the ADA compliant playground at LaBarge Park, Pierre’s five-time designation as a Playful City USA, and the recent nod from Let’s Move are all indicators of the recreation department’s positive work in this area.
More than 500 cities, towns and counties are participating in LMCTC, and 80 million Americans are now living in LMCTC communities that are dedicated to helping young people eat healthy foods and be physically active.
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