Florida Catholic | ‘A Day In The Park’

‘A Day in the Park’

The Catholic Charities sponsored event promotes healthy minds and bodies.

THERESA CHMIEL | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 05.23.08

MORE INFO

Contact Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida for more information on the counseling services provided at its four regional offices.

Pensacola: 850-426-6412

Fort Walton Beach: 850-244-2825

Panama City: 850-763-0475

Tallahassee: 850-222-2180

PENSACOLA | Yoga, dancing, pumping iron and stress-relieving massages were all part of the festivities at “A Day in the Park” May 10 in Seville Square Park. The event was hosted by Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida’s counseling program in honor of National Mental Health Month.

Precious Arnold, counseling and adoptive services coordinator, said “A Day in the Park” was an opportunity to remind residents that mental health starts with taking time to take care of ourselves.

“People think self-care is selfish,” said Arnold at the event that attracted hundreds of visitors. “We wanted to show the community that one way to improve your mental health is to take part in activities just for the pure enjoyment of them.”

Seville Square was filled with exhibits ranging from dance classes and Jazzercise, to gym and fitness clubs, to yoga and massage-therapy centers. Pensacola Junior College’s Continuing Education department was also on hand to offer options in various hobbies.

“We have a little something for everyone,” said Kay Miller, PJC’s aquatic coordinator. “The aquatics department offers classes in aerobic swimming, aqua jogging and aqua dynamics, and then, of course, we have recreational swimming where you can do your own thing.” In addition to aquatics, the college’s three campuses (Milton, Warrington and the main campus on Ninth Avenue) offer a diverse repertoire including horticulture, music, art, cuisine, dance, writing and computer classes.

Area resident Neina Moyler and her family enjoyed the afternoon of free music provided by local band Jerry’s Kids, and the chance to browse the booths and silent auction items.

“I try to take time for me,” said Moyler, echoing the day’s message. “After the birth of my second child, I went back to work part-time so I could go to the gym and stay in shape, and still be home for my kids when they need me.”

This is the first year for “A Day in the Park,” but Arnold was pleased with its success. “We are going to make this an annual event to bring awareness to Mental Health Month,” she said.

Return to Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee Front Page

‘A Day in the Park’

MORE INFO

Other Stories