Nonprofit PHIT plans center to get kids into shape

In an overall effort to get kids active and fit, the nonprofit PHIT America proposed to introduce its programming to Coral Gables elementary school students, which might include a PHIT Center.

PHIT America would provide four activity programs, which include running, golf, tennis and pickleball, said Jim Baugh, founder of the nonprofit, at Tuesday’s Coral Gables City Commission meeting.

A major component of the program would be to build a PHIT Center. The facility would include a kid-size running track, tennis and pickleball courts, and exercise zones/stations. The program will cost roughly $6,000 per elementary school and the PHIT Center would cost an estimated $200,000 to develop and build, Mr. Baugh added. The funds would come from donors and contributors.

“The kids that are most active are the ones who have parents who are active and find that part of what family life should be like,” said Commissioner Kirk R. Menendez, “and there are a lot of families that the parents are too busy. So, I think that’s a hurdle that has to be overcome, which is educating the parents.”

“That’s why the program is going go into the schools to make sure that kids have the skills and the competence,” Mr. Baugh responded.

Mayor Vince Lago commended Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson for sponsoring the PHIT America programming discussion and said he would help and let her take the lead on the new program, which includes getting the Miami-Dade County School Board approval, and seek the necessary next steps.