OKC Boathouse District’s New Youth Zone The OKC Boathouse District recently unveiled its new Youth Zone, designed to inspire physical activity and improve health and wellness. The Youth Zone’s activities include a unique “Cloud Bounce,” a 40-foot inflatable pillow offering bouncing fun for all ages and a “Sky Tykes” obstacle course that sits three feet above ground, in which youth are secured into a safety harness as they navigate a series of adventures and challenges. In addition, a miniature zipline is available for both children and adults, and an “Extreme Air” bungee activity allows individuals to jump and flip to thrilling heights. The Youth Zone also includes the KaBOOM! playground built by local volunteers in 2011. “This new Youth Zone is really unique to Oklahoma City,” said Michael J. Knopp, OKC Boathouse Foundation executive director. “It offers interactive play opportunities you won’t find anywhere else, and it’s something the whole family can enjoy together.”
Photos courtesy of the OKC Boathouse Foundation.
Contributing writers: Brooke Barnett, Mari Farthing
The Youth Zone and KaBOOM! playground were both established with the intent of providing a safe environment for children to stay healthy and active. Both projects were created in conjunction with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Families initiative—a three year program that pulls together local, state and national resources in an effort to make a significant impact on childhood health and wellness. The Boathouse District is located at 725 S Lincoln Boulevard and Youth Zone passes are $10 for kids ages 3–12. For hours of operation and additional information, call 405-5224040 or visit www.boathousedistrict.org. Photos courtesy of Patricia Smith.
Made in Oklahoma Recipe Contest Found a way to make Grandma’s chocolate cake even better? Want to share the secret ingredient to your family’s famous barbecue chicken? Enter the Made in Oklahoma Coalition (MIO) Recipe Contest to win up to $1,000 for your creation. MIO is accepting submissions through May 17. “Some of the best recipes are the ones handed down—your mom’s best friend’s sausageegg casserole, a college roommate’s corn dip,” says Kerry Barrick, MIO Coalition coordinator. “Those same passed-down recipes are sometimes even better when they’re freshened up, given a twist to bring them up to date. We want to know your favorite Oklahoma-original recipes, using Made in Oklahoma products.”
Breast Cancer Awareness Day In the past ten years, more than 32,000 men and women have been diagnosed with breast cancer in Oklahoma. Statistics indicate that more than 4,000 of those cases ended in death. To heighten awareness, more than 3,000 breast cancer survivors will “pink out” the Oklahoma State Capitol on Tuesday, April 30 from 9:00am–3:00pm for Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
Entries will be judged on creativity, taste, ease of preparation and use of a minimum of two eligible Made in Oklahoma Coalition products. Entries must be newly created and the original recipe of the contestant. Complete rules and additional information can be found at www.miorecipes.com. Photo courtesy of MIO Coalition.
This is the fifth year that the event has been dedicated to breast cancer survivors, their family and friends, and anyone interested in helping save lives from breast cancer. The event promotes awareness, early detection, treatment and support for those affected by breast cancer.
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“I am so excited and honored that Senator Judy McIntyre has asked me to assist her in this awesome opportunity to bring up the awareness of breast cancer in our state and country,” says Pat Smith, event organizer. “We want to pink out the capitol with thousands of individuals, vendors, organizations, survivors and family members. We want participation to reflect all nationalities and cultures in Oklahoma, because cancer does not discriminate.” The event will feature more than 20 organizations from across the state, including the Central and Western Oklahoma affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure, the American Cancer Society and more. Entertainment will include performances by the Oklahoma City Chorus and the Darlington School Native Dancers. For more information, visit http://breastcancerok.webs.com or www.facebook.com/ BreastCancerOK.
www.metrofamilymagazine.com | April 2013