In our latest THRIVING for 10 Years story, we learn how WeTHRIVE! played a role in bringing more opportunities for physical activity and healthy eating to residents of Cheviot.
Cheviot joined the WeTHRIVE! initiative in 2011 as part of the Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) grant. “Around that time, we had so many good things going on and the WeTHRIVE! piece fit in perfectly,” said Caroline Statkus, the city’s economic development director.
CPPW provided mini-grants for Cheviot and 11 other communities to fund projects promoting physical activity and healthy eating. Cheviot used these funds to install outdoor fitness stations and a handicapped-accessible swing at Harvest Home Park; signage to mark 1-mile and 1.5-mile sidewalk routes around town; a bike rack at the Cheviot Public Pool; a community garden at St. Martin of Tours; and signage for the Lettuce Eat Well Farmer’s Market.
“As part of that grant, we also established an interesting partnership with a bar in Cheviot, and it’s still in effect today,” Caroline said. Game Time Sports Bar & Grill allows residents to use its sand volleyball court at no charge on Saturdays from 2:00-8:00pm.
In 2012, Cheviot’s Memorial Field was chosen for a Home Field Makeover by the Reds Community Fund and Procter & Gamble. The baseball fields were renovated, with new fencing and backstops, field grading and leveling, and new infield dirt and grass. The 1930s-era grandstand was also completely restored.
Over the years, the city found other grants to improve its parks and recreation offerings. They added more outdoor fitness stations at Harvest Home Park, opened a new splash pad at the city pool, revamped the tennis courts and playground, and installed new bike racks throughout the city. Last summer, grants allowed Cheviot to offer free water aerobics classes and swimming lessons.
“We’re very proud of our parks and physical activity initiatives,” Caroline said. “WeTHRIVE! played an integral part in this.”
See all of our stories about WeTHRIVE! in Cheviot: