Fitness all in fun at this first fair

The message was clear Saturday at the Fox Valley Park District's Vaughan Athletic Center in Aurora: Fitness is fun and necessary for a healthy lifestyle for children.

Youngsters could bounce, jump and slide through inflatable obstacle courses, including the brightly colored "Chuggy Choo-Choo," and take part in action games led by park district staff.

Even David Fisher, known as the "Rope Warrior," asked children to take part in his demonstration of how to use a jump rope for fun and fitness.

It was the first such event at the Fox Valley Park District, which opened the Vaughan Athletic Center in September 2005.

"It's part of our major initiative to promote a healthy lifestyle for children," said Barb Potter, facility manager. "We want to offer education on nutrition and activities, and help children understand the benefits of exercise. We began offering exercise programs just for children six months ago."

Potter said the programs are for children ages 7 to 13.

Andrea Rolfe of Aurora brought her sons Wyatt, 7 and Dakota, 10, even though she already has them enrolled at the center.

"They wanted to help out so that other kids could see what they do," she said. "The program they're in has different ways to keep them active so it's not monotonous. They jump rope, play tag, have relays and do other things. They can keep fit even in the winter."

Regina Arnold of Aurora brought her 5-year-old daughter, Amber.

"I was signing her up for ballet when I saw the flier," she said. "I wanted to see if she'd be interested in getting involved. It's better than having her sitting around watching TV."

The event also featured 27 exhibitors, mainly representatives of the park district who could sign children up for programs such as soccer and roller skating.

For information, call the Vaughan Athletic Center at (630) 907-9600 or visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.