Local organizations see great success with children’s park activity program

FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WOAY) – Earlier in June, local community organizations around the Fayette County area came up with an idea to get children active during the summer.

Every Tuesday they hold Adventure Days in the Park, a program that lets kids express themselves outside safely during the pandemic. According to Seth Workman, an event coordinator with the program, the idea was generated when the organizations decided they wanted to do something more for children. 

“We have Active Southern and Adventure Fayette County who were kind of local conglomerates of individuals and they just decided they wanted to come together and do this,” Workman said.  

Some of the activities include an obstacle course, arts and crafts and even renting out books from a Bookmobile. Zach Bern, a volunteer with the WVU Extension Service says kids need a way to stimulate themselves, especially with school ending earlier than normal for many of them.

“I think it’s really important because, the summertime, especially with how schools shut down a whole lot sooner than expected, kids tend to not really focus on reading and education. So this is a good way to boost their skills and help them in a way that’s free and fun that they’ll enjoy,” Bern said. 

The event coordinators are also ensuring kids and families stay safe while they participate. Social distancing is encouraged and all volunteers wear masks. 

The event takes place each Tuesday at the Fayetteville Town Park. Organizers of the event include Active Southern West Virginia, Adventure Fayette County, Fayette County Libraries and the Coda Mountain Academy, who provides free meals for the kids. 

The weekly event is planned to be extended to Collins Park in Oak Hill as well during the month of July.