Family, students and staff at Cielo Vista Charter School in Palm Springs can now use the school's recently opened fitness center for free through a $70,000 grant from the Desert Healthcare District.
The grant, which paid for gym equipment including a treadmill, an elliptical, sets of weights and several other machines, is part of Cielo Vista's ongoing effort to promote healthier lifestyles, said co-principal Jennifer Geyer.
The gym is open Monday through Friday 7:30-10:50 a.m. and 12:20-1:10 p.m. for the families of students and after school for staff members. Family members must fill out a form at the front office and provide proof of a physical in the last year before they can use the gym.
In 2011, Cielo Vista had the highest obesity rate for schools in the valley. A $270,000 grant from Desert Healthcare District four years ago helped the school hire three full-time physical education teachers, plant an organic garden, and institute weekly nutrition education classes for each grade, drastically reducing the obesity rate by 70 percent.
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