Norman mayor's initiative seeks to get residents moving

NORMAN — Your fitness watch isn't the only one telling you to stand up and move.

Norman Mayor Breea Clark recently announced the Move with the Mayor initiative with the goal of encouraging healthy exercise habits while highlighting city parks and facilities available to Norman residents.

Every fourth Saturday from February through October, Norman residents will be invited to participate in a new activity at a new location.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of taking care of our physical health and the role our physical well-being plays in preventing other major diseases," Clark said. "Fortunately, Norman residents have so many great parks and facilities available to them at little to no cost, and I look forward to getting Normanites moving and exercising while highlighting the resources that their tax dollars helped to pay for.”

The Move with the Mayor series will kick off with pickleball at 9 a.m. Feb. 27 at the 12th Avenue Recreation Center, 1701 12th Ave. NE. Paddles and balls will be provided, and the pros from the Greater OKC Pickleball Club will assist with instruction. The 12th Avenue Recreation Center has three indoor courts and six outdoor courts for use.

Those who attend the first session will receive a free water bottle, and those who attend all nine sessions will receive a free month of classes from Fight or Flight Fitness, one of Norman's newest fitness centers.

Upcoming fitness activities will include:

• Feb. 27: Pickleball, 12th Avenue Recreation Center. • March 27: Hike, Saxon Park. • April 24: Disc Golf, Griffin Park.

• May 22: Bike ride, Legacy Trail.

• June 26: Swim, Westwood Aquatic Center.

• July 24: Walk, University of Oklahoma campus.

• Aug. 28: Golf, Westwood Golf Course.

• Sept. 25: Run, Ruby Grant Park.

• Oct. 23: Tennis, Westwood Tennis Center.