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Second Sunday is a state-wide campaign that will serve as a catalyst for improving Kentucky's health status and can become a template for nationwide awareness. The idea originated in Bogota, Colombia where officials close more than 70 miles of roads to vehicles, opening them to local residents for exercise every Sunday. Several communities have presented similar events, but Kentucky is the first state.
Communities across Kentucky are planning to simultaneously close a roadway or plan an event from 2-6 p.m. on the second Sunday of October (October 11, 2009) so that residents can bike, walk, run, play and participate in fun and healthy activities.
In Lexington, a one-mile loop of streets will be closed for the Second Sunday event, including parts of Main Street, Short Street, Mill Street and Deweese Street. There will be activities and demonstrations along the loop as well as exhibits and music at the new courthouse plaza and Cheapside Park.
Kentucky is consistently ranked among the top 10 states for obesity and obesity-related diseases. Second Sunday presents a compelling message of change from being a state of spectators to one of active participants. Organized by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension and community partners,
Second Sunday sends a compelling message that Kentucky is serious about improving its residents' health and promoting physical activity. More than 12,000 people in 70 counties participated in the past year's inaugural event.
Kentucky's Governor and General Assembly have endorsed October 11th as Second Sunday KY. They noted how Second Sunday is not just one afternoon of physical activity, but a vehicle to raise awareness of the need for local infrastructure that promotes a healthy lifestyle in an otherwise sedentary population. With their support, the goal in 2009 is for thousands of Kentuckians to send this state-wide and national message of change.
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Click here to read about the 2nd Sunday Statewide Activities
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Experiencing a fun-filled day of activities in existing roadways can be the catalyst for local communities to actively pursue convenient and safe places for physical activity the other 364 days of the year. Second Sunday can serve as the first step in improving the physical, environmental and economic health of all Kentuckians.
Second Sunday is a platform to showcase community programs that are positively affecting the community's health, economy and environment. Collaborative alliances amongst businesses, organizations, and the community are an effective and efficient way to achieve growth objectives, stimulate the economy, and create synergy.
Affiliating yourself with Second Sunday will help mobilize an effort to show your local community some fun, simple ways to incorporate physical activity into everyday life and build a compelling inexpensive case for investment in trails, sidewalks, smart streets, parks, etc.
The organizing committee sincerely hopes that you will take the opportunity to join community partners in support of sending a compelling message of change — from being a community of spectators to one of active participants.
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PHOTO CAPTION: Councilman Jay McChord announces plans for this year's event.
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