Mayors across the country are problem-solvers who are on the forefront of addressing pressing challenges in their communities. In Knoxville, Tenn., Mayor Madeline Rogero is helping to combat childhood obesity by taking advantage of local parks to get children moving. Earlier this year she was awarded a U.S. Conference of Mayors Childhood Obesity Prevention Award for her innovative program “Neighborhoods to Nature.”

Mayor Rogero’s initiative encourages families in Knoxville to walk to their local parks and participate in an hour or two of physical activity each week. As part of the program, the mayor, along with city council members and other city officials, accompany residents on walks from their homes to nearby neighborhood parks, where everyone gathers, plays, discusses issues and enjoys healthy refreshments. “Neighborhoods to Nature” also includes weekly cooking demonstrations and tastings to show families how to prepare healthy, affordable meals that are easy to prepare using ingredients found in their local grocery stores.

Mayor Rogero’s “Neighborhoods to Nature” was selected for the award by an independent panel of judges and will receive a grant from the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America to expand the program even further.

America’s beverage industry is proud to support innovative programs like “Neighborhoods to Nature” that help children learn healthy habits that will benefit them for a lifetime. Congratulations to Mayor Rogero and the city of Knoxville!