It's a simple concept, but the Community Action Network (CAN) promises that spontaneous play can make an impact and address the obesity epidemic in Grey and Bruce Counties.

A recent study shows that a higher proportion of Grey-Bruce residents are obese than provincial average (19 per cent vs. 15 per cent). Seeing this, community groups banded together to create the CAN and implement the PLAY in Bruce Grey initiative, which promises to help residents become more physically active through unstructured play.

"The committee aims to advantage of anything happening in the Municipality to promote the idea of play," said community volunteer Mary Solomon, who is a member of the CAN. Solomon added that this would mean setting up unstructured, fun activities at events like the annual Canada Day celebrations to promote the idea of play in families.

The idea for Play in Bruce Grey was inspired by Olympic medalist Silken Laumann who upon noticing the poor fitness and health of her neighbours set up one play night a week at a local park.

The play night is now a huge event in her neighbourhood and the CAN hopes to emulate that kind of success in Grey-Bruce.

"A healthy community means less strokes and heart attacks and the kinds of health problems you associate with inactivity," said Solomon. "It ties into the idea of asset building and being responsible for each other."

Future plans for the CAN include organizing a play evening at Meaford Community School and coordinating inclusive games for children at the upcoming Wheels in Motion event.

Anyone is welcome to join the CAN to help organize future activities. Contact Greg Thacker from the Parks and Recreation Department at 519-538-1060 ext. 1406 if interested.