Parkersburg YMCA sees healthy turnout for youth effort
Parkersburg YMCA CEO Benton Walker hands Ansen Morrison some popcorn Saturday while his brothers, Adler and Anders, get ready for the annual Healthy Kids Day. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)
Violet Gibson, of Vincent, OH, plays a ring toss game at the Parkersburg YMCA Saturday for their annual Healthy Kids Day event. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)
Optometrist Dr. Robert Welshans uses an autorefractor, a device used in optometry to automatically measure a person’s refractive error, on Kennedy Berdine Saturday at the Parkersburg YMCA for their annual Healthy Kids Day. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)
Optometrist Dr. Robert Welshans uses an autorefractor, a device used in optometry to automatically measure a person’s refractive error, on Kolson Berdine Saturday at the Parkersburg YMCA for their annual Healthy Kids Day. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)
Vienna resident Susan Armstrong, left, talks to the Parkersburg YMCA head swim coach Sarah Nisewarner and assistant swim coach Henry Oliphant about their swim program Saturday during the YMCA’s annual Healthy Kids Day. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)
Parkersburg YMCA CEO Benton Walker hands Ansen Morrison some popcorn Saturday while his brothers, Adler and Anders, get ready for the annual Healthy Kids Day. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)
Violet Gibson, of Vincent, OH, plays a ring toss game at the Parkersburg YMCA Saturday for their annual Healthy Kids Day event. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)
Optometrist Dr. Robert Welshans uses an autorefractor, a device used in optometry to automatically measure a person’s refractive error, on Kennedy Berdine Saturday at the Parkersburg YMCA for their annual Healthy Kids Day. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)
Optometrist Dr. Robert Welshans uses an autorefractor, a device used in optometry to automatically measure a person’s refractive error, on Kolson Berdine Saturday at the Parkersburg YMCA for their annual Healthy Kids Day. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)
Vienna resident Susan Armstrong, left, talks to the Parkersburg YMCA head swim coach Sarah Nisewarner and assistant swim coach Henry Oliphant about their swim program Saturday during the YMCA’s annual Healthy Kids Day. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)
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PARKERSBURG -- The Parkersburg YMCA celebrated its annual Healthy Kids Day, bringing together local services and families to promote community wellness.
"It's an amazing opportunity to invite everybody to see our services and understand what resources are available in the area," CEO Benton Walker said.
The event featured a diverse range of vendors and organizations, including the Parkersburg- Wood County Public Library, the Parkersburg Police Department, medical providers like WVU Medicine and River Valley Pediatrics, Downtown PKB and the United Way.
Visitors were encouraged to explore resources, with staff available to provide information about YMCA memberships and community activities.
Walker said the event serves as an annual touchstone for local families to connect with health and wellness resources.
"Taking care of your health is important, whether you're an adult or a kid," Walker said. "Just staying active and building that routine. It's important just to be able to do a little bit every day."
Attendees were encouraged to explore various health resources and engage with local providers, underscoring the YMCA's commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles for children and families in the community.
Walker said the YMCA is always actively seeking input on potential new programs and invites community members to share their suggestions for future programs and services, demonstrating their ongoing dedication to meeting local needs.
"We want to hear from the community about activities they'd like to see," Walker said.
For more information about the YMCA and the programs they offer visit their website at parkersburgymca.org, stop by their facility at 1800 30th St, or call 304-485-5585.
Douglass Huxley can be reached at dhuxley@newsandsentinel.com