Fort Myers Florida Weekly

Babcock Ranch events inspire active living

Jingle Bell Run has students leading the way toward better health


Top: Lifestyle Coordinator Michelle Churchill is inspiring students to embrace a healthier, active lifestyle. Far Left: Any day is a great day to explore Babcock Ranch by bike. Left: The Founder’s Fest 5K and 10K events last April attracted more than 500 competitors of all ages. Below: Founder’s Square at Babcock Ranch is the hub of daily activity at Babcock Ranch . Bottom: During recess time at Babcock Neighborhood School, Crescent Loop around Founder’s Square provides students with plenty of room to run.

Top: Lifestyle Coordinator Michelle Churchill is inspiring students to embrace a healthier, active lifestyle. Far Left: Any day is a great day to explore Babcock Ranch by bike. Left: The Founder’s Fest 5K and 10K events last April attracted more than 500 competitors of all ages. Below: Founder’s Square at Babcock Ranch is the hub of daily activity at Babcock Ranch . Bottom: During recess time at Babcock Neighborhood School, Crescent Loop around Founder’s Square provides students with plenty of room to run.

From miles of trails, sparkling lakes and an activities calendar that boasts a variety of free weekly fitness classes – the new solar-powered town of Babcock Ranch provides ample opportunities to pursue an active, healthier lifestyle. While the first residents won’t settle in until the first of next year, students at Babcock Neighborhood School are helping Lifestyle Director Michelle Churchill blaze the trail.

 

 

Every Monday afternoon, you can find Churchill putting a group of enthusiastic young recruits in the quest for physical fitness through their paces from Founder’s Square and out onto the trail around Sunset Lake. The Jingle Bell 5k and 10K run scheduled for December 9th inspired students to form an after school running club

 

 

“Each day, I was seeing students out at recess time running around Crescent Loop at Founder’s Square which they have adopted as their running track,” Churchill explained. “After talking to some of the kids and the teachers and asking who would like to do more running and learn how to be able to run a longer distance and build some endurance and stamina – I had a good show of hands, so I decided to set up the Monday afternoon run club. All students from 2nd through 6th grade were invited to join and we had 20 sign up.”

 

 

The first week started with a walk and or run around their “track” at Crescent Loop for Churchill to assess ability levels.

“It’s not a competitive environment – it’s about being the best they can be for themselves and encouraging an active lifestyle and healthy living,” Churchill said.

Heading into week four of training, Churchill said most of the students are already able to complete the full 5K route – and all are looking forward to the Jingle Bell race on December 9th.

For Churchill, the running club is a chance to share her personal passion. She started running at the age of 10 in her home town of Birmingham, England and competed in track and cross-country through high school. She continued running to stay fit after finishing high school and embraced the opportunity to resume competitive running after moving to Southwest Florida. Her accomplishments include qualifying for the Boston Marathon in 2016 – one of 8 marathons and 6 half marathons on her resume. But at Babcock Ranch, her focus is on providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to improve their overall fitness.

 

 

“Among our students, it is so rewarding to see kids who, with the right encouragement, have gone from mostly walking to running almost the whole distance in a very short period of time,” she said. “It’s a model that works for all different kinds of activities and all different ages. It’s not about competing with others – it’s challenging yourself to constantly improve – and having fun while you’re doing it.”

Located off State Road 31 north of the Lee County Civic Center, the solar-powered town being built by Kitson & Partners will include 19,500 homes, nearly 50,000 residents and six million square feet of commercial space. When the first residents begin settling into homes in the Lake Timber neighborhood in January, they’ll discover a downtown district already vibrant with daily activity.

In addition to the natural amenities and expansive trails open for all to explore on their own, Babcock Ranch offers a variety of fitness classes free to any an all who want to shape up. From yoga to a strenuous fitness boot-camp, Churchill aims to provide a diverse menu of fitness activities for all ages and interests.

“Working out can and should be something to look forward to – not a chore to be avoided,” Churchill said. “It’s not just about healthy living. It’s about connections, being part of an experience that builds lasting friendships.”

If you prefer to chart your own path to fitness, the staff at Curry Creek Outfitters is ready to help. Rent a kayak or canoe, or grab a fishing pole and hike (or bike) up to the fishing dock on Sunset Lake. The first two of many Zagster bike share stations planned for Babcock make it easy to grab a bike for an hour or a full day of exploration using an app on your smartphone.

“Bikes are a great way to test drive the active lifestyle our new town has to offer,” said Michael Serfozo, retail operations manager for Babcock Ranch.

For those who don’t want to ride solo – just grab a friend and pedal out in a bright red Surry complete with canopy.

“It’s amazing to see people really embracing the Babcock lifestyle,” Serfozo said. “They come in a bit hesitant and leave saying ‘wow, what a concept.”

“There’s really no limit to opportunities for residents and guests alike to reap the health benefits of a more active lifestyle here,” Churchill added. “Everyone can find an enjoyable way to be actively involved.”

The Jingle Bell Run is the second opportunity for running enthusiasts to pursue their passion at Babcock Ranch. The first event held in conjunction with the Babcock Ranch Founder’s Fest last April attracted more than 500 competitors to help christen the first trails in the eco-friendly town. To register for the December 9th race and learn more about future events, visit www.babcockranch.com/events.

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