By Madeline Funk, madeline.funk@albertleatribune.com

Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and some Albert Lea groups are working to increase physical activity for children.

Activity can help with many things, such as decreasing the three leading causes of death which are heart disease, cancer and stroke. In order to stay healthy, children need 60 minutes of activity everyday to maintain a healthy weight.

Albert Lea is trying to implement this healthy living style among children as the city moves forward with the Blue Zone lifestyle. Many different programs are coming together to try and get children out and moving, including the JustPlay! Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 27 at Frank Hall Park.

The Statewide Health Improvement Program, or SHIP, is partnering with Albert Lea Parks and Recreation to try and get kids and adults to move around and try new activities at the festival.

There will be sports and fitness demonstrations, arts and crafts, music, discounted rides on the Pelican Breeze, discounts at the Aquatic Center and more.

Bob Furland, facility manager with parks and recreation, is working on this event with Jennifer Davis, recreation program supervisor. Furland said he expects a lot of participation with a wide selection of things to try.

Some things to look forward to at this event are pickleball, a bike rodeo and an open streets event. KATE Radio is having a bike giveaway to children in need.

“I hope this keeps kids active by introducing them to new activities so they’ll find new things they like and stay moving,” Furland said.

Becoming healthy isn’t easy, but by introducing it into the next generation the obesity epidemic will most likely slow down.