The "Flat 14er Initiative" is an obesity fighting program partnering Tri-County Health Department with school districts and parks and recreation agencies in Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties. According to "Health Policy Solutions," Colorado's childhood obesity rate is increasing faster than in every other state except for one, the State of Nevada. Childhood obesity in Colorado increased 23 percent between 2003 and 2007.
This joint effort is intended as a multi-year initiative which encourages students of 27J School District and Adams #14 School District to increase their level of physical activity by virtually climbing the majestic mountains of Colorado using our parks and trails. Colorado offers 58 mountains rising above 14,000 feet, and specific Commerce City trail segments will be measured, designated and nicknamed for a particular mountain climb in partner with targeted schools as specified by the 27J School District and Adams #14 School District. In 2011, the program would begin with Second Creek Greenway, River Run Park, Stewart Middle School, and Second Creek Elementary School for 27J and begin with Pioneer Park, the Prairie Gateway Open Space, Kearney Middle School, and Adams City Middle School for Adams #14. The Parks & Recreation Department will work cooperatively with the District and a student work group, and an annual summit will measure the success of the previous year's progress before each new school year.
