Last year, the City of Mercer Island joined the nationwide Let’s Move campaign, an initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama dedicated to fighting childhood obesity.

Let’s Move! Mercer Island’s mission is to raise awareness for a healthy lifestyle through good nutrition and physical activity in collaboration with community partners.

The Parks and Recreation Department completed all five of the campaign’s goals, and has recently achieved Gold medal status in each category by leading community-based activities, programs and events with local Let’s Move community partners.

Based on this status, Mercer Island was promoted to the top tier of cities nationwide. The community will be formally recognized by Michelle Obama at a special White House Let’s Move! event, along with a number of other communities from across the country. Councilmember Debbie Bertlin and Parks and Recreation Superintendent Diane Mortenson will represent the city at the event on Sept. 16.

“Programs like this are a great example of the engagement our residents display in making Mercer Island an even better place to live, and I’m impressed with the community’s achievement,” said Mayor Bruce Bassett.

One of the programs, Walk 100, ends in a few months. The challenge, sponsored by Mercer Island Physical Therapy, Mercer Island Pediatric and Mercer Island Foot and Ankle, encourages Islanders to walk 100 miles between March and October. Another Let’s Move! initiative involved replacing vending machines in city-owned venues with new healthier snack options from a new supplier.

In November, Mortenson received the Most Dedicated City Staff Award from the National League of Cities for the Let’s Move! campaign.

Learn more about Let’s Move! Mercer Island at www.letsmovemercerisland.com, or contact Mortenson at 206-275-7861 or Diane.Mortenson@mercergov.org.