La Paz County is another county new to offering SNAP-Ed services in FFY16.  The recently hired UA Cooperative Extension, La Paz (La Paz Extension) staff person put together a collaboration of relevant agencies, including First Things First, Colorado River Regional Crisis Services, Colorado River Regional Border Health, Players Youth Center, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Food Distribution Center. 

Working with these partners, the staff person created a recurring event to be held in different regions across La Paz County so that a diversity of communities would have an opportunity to “Get Out and Play.”  The first event took place in Parker in August, 2016, and involved approximately 50 youth and adults, including the La Paz County Attorney. Participants gathered at a local park to play active games using CATCH resources, and partner organizations set up tables to provide information and interactive activities, including a bike blender. Healthy snacks were provided by two partners, and one provided an incentive item of small Frisbees.  The event was publicized via a flyer distributed throughout the Parker community and by media coverage in the local paper prior to the event.

“We created a community‐wide family friendly “Get Out & Play Day.” This event is an opportunity for community members to access a free event that encourages physical activity that is accessible to all members of the community. We were able to help inspire children and families to put down the electronics, get up and get outside together.”