Minneapolis School Board and Park Board Approve MOU for City Swims Program

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Grassroots efforts to improve equitable access to swimming facilities in a low-income neighborhood in Minneapolis, Minn. (10.5% Latino), spurred a formalized Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the school board and parks board to more efficiently provide accessible, inclusive, high quality athletic and fitness opportunities and facilities for all children in Minneapolis.

On June 14, 2016 the Minneapolis Public Schools, Special School District No. 1 (MPS) and on June 15, 2016, the City of Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) approved an MOU which includes the establishement of a “City Swims” program to promote swimming lessons and classes for all Minneapolis children. This MOU follows decades of informal collaboration and 18 shared use agreements between the two public entities. For example, as stated in the MOU, “By August 1, 2016 and annually thereafter updated, each organization will compile and share a summary report of all athletic facilities owned by each organization detailing current utilization.”

Additionally, “by October 31, 2017 the MPRB will present plans for the establishment of a “City Swims” program with multiple partners to promote swimming lessons and classes led by professional staff and certified lifeguards for all Minneapolis children.”

Swimming is one of the best forms of cardiovascular activity because it requires all major muscle groups, has a very low injury rate, and is great for older adults or people with mobility limitations. Additionally, swimming increases children’s confidence, motor skills, and learning. All kids deserve access to swimming instruction and swimming facilities to obtain the numerous health benefits of such a life-enriching activity.

The “City Swims” initiative is contingent on the opening of the planned Phillips Aquatic Center-a Minneapolis Swims project that helped spur the MOU between the parks board and the school board-because pools are not equitably distributed across the city, thus are not accessible for most students. Both the Phillips Pool and the MOU will have a drastic impact on Minneapolis kids’ health.

Collaborations like this are critical to eliminate inequities, which benefits the entire community. And state.

Learn more about the MOU here.

Learn more about Minneapolis Swims efforts to improve equitable access to swimming facilities here.

Copy and share: Bingo! Parks & schools in #Minneapolis collaborate to teach kids how to #swim. @SaludToday #SaludAmerica salud.to/MinnMOU