PBC Parks Provides Inclusive Recreation Opportunities and Experiences for People with Disabilities

International Day of People with Disabilities, celebrated on December 3, promotes and increases awareness and understanding of disability issues and mobilizes support for the rights, well-being, and acceptance of people with disabilities. This year’s overarching theme is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development” in the areas of employment, reducing inequity and sports.

Parks Offer Ways to Prevent Diabetes through Physical Activity

Image gallery of different exercise facilities and activities at PBC Parks (wheelchair course, paved and boardwalk nature trails, fitness stations, basketball court, playground and swimming)

November is National Diabetes Month. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 37 million people in the United States have diabetes and over a third have prediabetes. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the cells that make insulin. Type 2 is a metabolic disease, where the body does not respond to insulin properly, increasing blood sugar levels in the body. However, healthy changes and habits can help prevent diabetes, like spending time outdoors, exercising regularly and increasing physical activity.

Power of Parks: Jeremy Palmer

Welcome to Power of Parks, a podcast produced by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, where we share inspiring stories from people who have benefited from nature, parks and recreation.

Episode 6 features guest Jeremy Palmer, an athlete who plays Boccia at the CMAA Therapeutic Recreation Complex in Lake Worth. Palmer has played the sport for about seven years, and has won Gold in national competitions.
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About Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department:
The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, recognized nationally for excellence in park and recreation management, operates more than 110 parks and recreational facilities and provides organized recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities. Visit http://www.pbcparks.com​ for more information.

PBC Parks Hosts Beach Cleanup on National Skip the Straw Day

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Boynton Beach residents Jessica and Sandy Rowley are a mother-daughter duo, who, for the past 25 years, have made a habit out of cleaning up parks and natural areas around the area to ensure a cleaner, safer community. So naturally, when they heard about Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation’s Skip the Straw Day Beach Cleanup on the morning news, they immediately wanted to be a part of the effort.

“Every little bit helps, we come here all the time, might as well keep it clean,” said Jessica.

On the morning of February 22, roughly a dozen volunteers made their way to Ocean Inlet Park to help rid the popular beach of litter. It was held on National Skip the Straw Day, in an effort to bring attention to the issue of non-degradable litter often found on Palm Beach County beaches. The unofficial holiday encourages people to recognize the harmful effects of non-degradable plastic commonly known to contaminate the ocean and harm marine life.

Volunteers liked the Rowleys filled a 33-gallon trash bag with debris from the beach park. Every volunteer received a bag containing a t-shirt, water, snacks & environmental literature, and pickers, gloves and garbage bags were supplied.

For the mother-daughter team, the cleanup was important because it helps strengthen their appreciation for nature. “We love getting out in nature and enjoying everything and seeing all the animals… and it’s sad to see garbage everywhere,” said Jessica.

For more information about volunteering for the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, visit pbcparks.com.