Aitkin Named Governor's "Fit" City

Governor Tim Pawlenty and the Governor's Health Cabinet announced today that Aitkin has been designated a Governor's Fit City. The city earned the recognition by making a commitment to support and encourage its residents to be more physically active and to improve the overall health of the community.

The leaders of Aitkin have made a strong commitment to provide physical activity opportunities for people in their city, Governor Pawlenty said. This commitment will help keep Aitkin citizens healthy for years to come.

Aitkin achieved its designation by completing an application with the Minnesota Department of Health. The application asks cities to indicate their commitment to promoting physical activity, according to several criteria. Those criteria include whether a city has created inviting places to walk; whether a city has adopted a value statement affirming the importance of fitness; whether a city has sponsored at least one fitness activity; and whether a city has developed recreation areas that encourage fitness.