East Hudson Valley News

Poughkeepsie, NY — Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino invites residents of all ages and abilities to the 4th annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day at Dutchess County’s Bowdoin Park on Thursday, June 27th, starting at 11 am. This free event includes various interactive vendors, fitness activities, and attractions that highlight health and nutrition for people of every ability. All attendees will enjoy a complimentary lunch and receive a medal for participating in the day’s events. Pre-registration is required by June 17th for this rain-or-shine event and can be completed at dutchessny.gov/tdfieldday.

County Executive Serino stated, “Dutchess County’s 4th Annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day will be a day of fun for residents of every ability at one of our great Dutchess County parks! It is also a chance to meet local service providers to learn about resources and supports. It is a wonderful day to celebrate Dutchess County’s commitment to be an inclusive community that continues to ThinkDIFFERENTLY.”

In addition to fitness and health activities, representatives from several county departments and community partners will be on-site to provide families with important information about programs and services available for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Dutchess County.

The diverse offering of vendors will include interactive experiences such as exercise programs, games including disc golf and a home run derby, various arts and crafts, and live animals from local agricultural organizations.

Dutchess County All Abilities Program Director Dana Hopkins said, “Our ThinkDIFFERENTLY team truly enjoys all our partners coming together with new and creative activities and ideas. Fitness & Field Day is a day of fun for people of all ages and abilities, and the idea has spread to our neighboring counties, such as Columbia and Rockland counties, which are holding their own ThinkDIFFERENTLY fun days.”

The Fitness & Field Day is one of many ThinkDIFFERENTLY events hosted by Dutchess County. To learn more about the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative, including inclusive events and opportunities, visit thinkdifferently.net.

Bowdoin Park is located at 85 Sheafe Road in Poughkeepsie; ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day will take place at the park’s lower soccer fields near Pavilion 1. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy the park’s many amenities, including the refreshing splash pad following the free event.

For more information on the ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day contact Mara Santiago at 845-486-3568 or xsantiago@dutchessny.gov.