NOT FOUND: tot lot.jpgThanks to funding from the First 5 Sacramento Commission, the Sunrise Recreation and Park District (SRPD) has been able to build a new Tot Lot and Butterfly Garden at Lone Oak Park in Antelope. The SRPD Advisory Board of Directors held a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 27 to dedicate the Tot Lot and Butterfly Garden.
The First 5 Sacramento grant funded a new Tot Lot playground specifically designed for children under the age of five, so the equipment is pint sized to meet their needs, and the butterfly garden will spark a curiosity of the outdoors for these young children.

First 5 Sacramento funds the building of Tot Lots as one strategy to reduce obesity rates for children under age five in Sacramento County. Currently, one in five children is overweight and the number is rising. It is proven that obese or overweight children become sick more often, perform more poorly in school, are at heightened risk for a number of diseases and conditions, and are increasingly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and increased blood cholesterol.

The new butterfly garden component is one way for children to appreciate and care for their environment and view how plants feed and shelter animals. Butterflies are attracted to sweetly scented flowers, especially those with bright, vibrant colors. The plants in this butterfly garden will provide food and shelter to butterflies at all stages of their development.

First 5 Sacramento uses Proposition 10 (tobacco tax) funds to support the healthy development of children ages zero to five and in partnership with Parks and Recreation Districts, will continue to build safe environments designed for young children to increase physical activity and encourage play.

These playgrounds have a minimum life span of 15 years and will continue to be a community asset for many years for families. For a map and street locations of the Tot Lots, go to www.First5Sacramento.net or call 876-5866.

For additional information about the Sunrise Recreation and Park District call 725-1585.