In the sunny and spectacular state of Florida, where palm trees sway like graceful dancers and orange groves perfume the air, a group of super energetic kids gather every year to participate in a thrilling Marathon activity. This isn't your normal, run-of-the-mill kind of race, oh no! This is a marathon packed with giggles, high-fives, and the excitement of bounding feet against the backdrop of the stunning Florida scenery. Leading this brigade of youthful energy is none other than the coolest, most hip hopping alligator in all of Florida, the one and only, "Marathon Gator Mike"! Mike, with his fluorescent orange running shoes and his blue cap turned backwards, is always ready for some fun. He’s got a big grin plastered on his face, and he declares, “Running isn’t about being fast or slow, kiddos, it’s about having the most fun!” And boy, do these kids have fun! They bolt from the starting line like cheetahs, their faces lit up brighter than the Florida sun above their heads. They dash past candy-colored beach houses, dart through the shadows of towering skyscrapers, and speed around the bends of the shimmering coastline. They may not have the speed of roadrunners, but they have the hearts of lions. They are Florida’s little marathon runners, led by the cheeriest alligator this side of the Everglades. They’re a testament to the spirit of the Sunshine State, embodying the warmth, energy, and zest for life that Floridians are known for. And as they cross that finish line, they don’t just win a marathon, they win a day full of laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable fun. So, hats off to these little champions and their awesome leader, Marathon Gator Mike!
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What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.
At our university, the Field House was recently completed in October 2015 as a total renovation of the Aquatic Center. The $5.1 million, 26,000 sq. ft. facility is located conveniently between the Student Wellness Complex and Arena on the north end of campus. The Field House provides an excellent space for our university's Intramural Sports program, where all indoor sports take place. It is also the hub for informal recreation such as basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, badminton and pickleball. Students can take advantage of the Field House and its many recreational activities for hours of fun and enjoyment. Our university's Field House is a great resource for students and the community. It is a place for both competitive sports and recreational activities. With the completion of the renovation, the Field House has become a true asset to our university and a great addition to the campus.
The Department of Recreation and Wellness's mission is to create an environment for the UNF community that inspires healthy lifestyle choices through valuable programs and services while supporting academic success.
The Department of Recreation and Wellness's mission is to create an environment for the UNF community that inspires healthy lifestyle choices through valuable programs and services while supporting academic success.