The Fall River Children In Balance program opened new playground equipment at the Doran Elementary School on September 9, 2009, as part of its goal of increasing physical activity among elementary school children in Fall River. "I saw wonderful playground equipment at the new school buildings in the City but nothing at the Doran School," said Children In Balance Project Manager Marcia Picard, "When Maria Pontes, the Doran principal, came to me with the idea of purchasing playground equipment, I saw a chance to use project funds to provide years of safe physical activity for hundreds of children," she added. The program funds were provided by Tufts University, which is replicating its successful Shape Up Somerville childhood obesity prevention project in Fall River during a two-year study. The program uses a holistic approach to influence choices that families make when grocery shopping, dining out and selecting family activities. The program also works closely with the UMass Extension Nutrition Education program to bring nutrition and fitness education into classrooms. For further information about the project, contact Ms. Picard at 508-324-2228.

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(Top row, left) Four-year-old Benji takes his first trip down the corkscrew slide. (Top row, center) The playground equipment was installed in the Doran School playground just in time for the opening of school on September 10th. (Top row, right) Shane and Nicholas DeSilva try the slide both ways. (Middle row) Children eagerly await the official cutting of the ribbon while Doran School principal Maria Pontes welcomes parents and neighbors. (Bottom row, center) Children In Balance Project Manager Marcia Picard explains how the equipment will help the children achieve the goals of the Project. (Bottom row, right) Principal Pontes talks with Herald News reporter Derek Vital..