Indy Named Priority City
Mayor Joe Hogsett made the announcement Wednesday at Riverside Park.
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe city of Indianapolis has been selected as one of 50 cities to participate in First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Outside initiative. The program will provide two years of funding for the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis to increase participation in outdoor programs on public lands.
Mayor Joe Hogsett’s office says the goal of the initiative is to "engage the next generation of outdoor stewards and inspire millions of young adults to play, learn, serve and work in the great outdoors." The program is being funded by $5 million commitment from the American Express Foundation.
"I am grateful that Indianapolis was chosen to partner with the U.S. Department of Interior to invest in our greatest asset — our young people," said Hogsett. "Thanks to this program and organizations like the Indianapolis Parks and Recreation Department and the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, we have yet another avenue to connect children with projects that will better their neighborhoods and encourage the next generation to spend time in the wonderful outdoor assets Indianapolis offers."
Eric Ellsworth, chief executive officer of YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, says the initiative will give children and families a deeper connection to the city’s natural and historic site and develop important skills. Twenty-five other cities have been announced for the initiative. The remaining cities will be announced throughout the rest of the year.
You can learn more about the program by clicking here.