Parks and Recreation services have made a huge impact on community members' lives. Here, they tell their stories, with the hope of inspiring you to get active and healthy!
Do you have a story to share? Maybe you've lost weight, added strength or learned a new activity with the help of Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation. We want to hear from you! Simply click on the button below to tell us your story.
The Schwarzott Family (pictured above)
To say the Schwarzott family loves parks is an understatement. David, Keri and their son Josef have visited every single park (108!) in the City of Vancouver over the past three years.
"We liked checking out different parks around our house and expanding our range," David said. "We wondered if we could possibly visit every one of them."
The Schwarzotts have always been an active family, and this added excitement to their adventures. "Vancouver has one of the best park systems in the U.S.A.," David said. "It doesn't matter where you are in the city, you are always near a park or open space."
While the family can't pick a single "favorite" park, there are a few standouts. "If it's hot, everyone knows to go to Esther Short Park, but we like the uniqueness of Carter Park. It has the only 'old school' merry-go-round in the city. Another impressive sight is the view from Franklin Park. And for a more natural setting, we love Beaver Marsh and Columbia Springs," David said.
Merle ad Lynn Roberts (pictured above)
After winning his fight against cancer, Merle Roberts decided to tackle another obstacle -- getting fit. Three years ago he joined Firstenburg Community Center.
"When I first started coming, I could barely make it around the track," Merle said. "I was in pretty sad shape."
But since then, he's increased his endurance, added strength training and has shed 65 pounds with motivation from his wife, Lynn.
"What appealed to me about Firstenburg is that everyone is friendly, the place is well taken care of and for the average person, you don't have to deal with the big muscle intimidating people -- it's a family place," he said.
He believes anyone can successfully follow his lead. "I tell people that it'll be tough at first, but the rewards are worth it. I can't believe how much better I feel."
Cecily Bequette
Cecily Bequette had spent a lifetime struggling with her weight. When she stepped on the scale at the doctor's office in Sept. 2007 and gasped as the numbers 375 appeared, "I was so embarrassed and ashamed of myself," she said. "That’s when my journey toward a healthier life began."
She started doing water aerobics for two hours a day, five days a week at Marshall Community Center. She has since lost half of her body weight -- 187 pounds!
"I am the happiest and healthiest I have ever been in my entire life," said Cecily, who now teaches aqua classes at Marshall. "I found something I love to do and I did it."
In her role as an instructor, she thrives on helping others get motivated to eat right and get in shape. Her advice is simple: "Stop making excuses. Take that first step today and keep taking steps every day. Push yourself through the hard times and don’t give up.
"A healthier you is worth more than anything money can buy! So get up and go for a walk or come to the pool. Take that first step and keep walking until you are able to run and achieve great things."
