Saturday, May 10, 2008 -- Parkersburg, WV / McCarter Chiropractic Health Center
PARK program Kick-Off McCarter Chiropractic Health Center Spring Fling
(iPO Event Id#: 11031)

[Details] [Coverage] [Photos]

PARK Program - Roberts Family Photography

Article by Kim Broughton with photos by Roberts Family Photography

McCarter Chiropractic Health Center's annual Kids Spring Fling was held on May 10th on Emerson Avenue in Parkersburg at the Health Center's Facility.

For 5 years folks have been gathering at the Health Center with a focus of sharing healthy lifestyle practices with children and their families. The Health Center provided fresh fruit, water and juice and a re-useable grocery bags to those who attended.

Physical activities were made available for kids of all ages. Folks could compete side by side in the Dance Dance Revolution video game. This game has proven to be a great aid in getting children active.

There were hula hoops available and bean bag tosses. Martial artists were on hand to demonstrate and teach their skills. A variety of toys for kids of all ages were provided by Adventure Pursuit.

PARK Program - Roberts Family Photography

Big Wheels were on hand as were balance bikes, mountain bikes, bmx bikes, flying turtles, and scooters. Watching the children on balance bikes was a hoot. A balance bike has no pedals or cranks or brakes. It is designed for very small children and gives them the ability to learn balance. They are popular in Europe.

Thanks to a grant from the WV Cycling Foundation, Adventure Pursuit has added three of these bikes to their collection of toys. What a joy it was watching the children on these bikes.

McCarter Chiropractic Health Center and Adventure Pursuit announced their partnership at the Kids Spring Fling with the kick-off of the PARK program. The program is focusing on providing physical activity opportunities in the streets of two neighborhoods in Parkersburg.

McCarter Chiropractic has agreed to host the PARK program for her neighborhood. The other community host is Homecrest.

PARK Program - Roberts Family Photography

The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department was on hand to provide information on their DREAM program. The Parkersburg Art Center asked for participant's assistance in the creation of a mural to be used to decorate some green space at the Art Center. A fire truck was onsite and some children took the opportunity to jump in and honk the horn! Fingerprinting was available by the Sheriff's Department.

There were many others who had taken their time to share their gifts with members of the community. Many thanks to all of them.

It was a beautiful day and a wonderful event. When the event ended at 2 pm and vendors started breaking down their booths, I saw some children beg their parents to let them stay and play longer. They DID NOT want to leave.

I took that to mean the event was a success. Many thanks to McCarter Chiropractic Health Center for organizing and sponsoring this wonderful event for the community.

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For even MORE information: visit O!PAM now in development. This Online Physical Activity Magazine provides news about Mid-Ohio Valley area events, happenings, clubs, and providers.