Prospect Park YMCA nurtures healthy kids and families

The family that plays together stays healthy together is one of the mantras during the YMCA’s annual Healthy Kids Day.

The event, which took place on April 26, was held at nearly 2,000 YMCA facilities across the country, including the Park Slope Armory, under the auspices of the Prospect Park YMCA. The day focused on teaching children to remain healthy by being active with their parents throughout the summer months. Tons of entertainment, educational and fitness-related activities were on display. Business booths were also on hand for the festivities.

“It was really amazing,” said Nicole Poldiak, fund development and communications associate at the Prospect Park YMCA. “We had over 800 individual families show up for the free community event. Members also spent the day there. So there was a total of 1,000 people which was great.”

Among the activities that took place were youth sports clinics, bounce houses, family Zumba, face painting, and Meet-the-Trainer. “Home Depot had a craft table, which was a huge hit,” added Poldiak.

The vendors were also an integral part of the day. “We had 20 local business vendors who were able to connect with event-goers while providing information about their services in the Park Slope community,” she said. “Most of the stuff vendors were giving away was stuff for kids. It was a great way to get families engaged.”

Another aspect of the fun-filled day was to encourage parents to sign up their kids up for summer activities. “We were also hosting an open house for our summer camp programs. One of reasons for this event is to encourage kids and parents to be active together,” Poldiak stated.

The day was deemed a success, according to Poldiak. “The kids definitely enjoyed it. It was a great way to spend the day,” she said. “Even though the weather was beautiful outside, it was nice hanging out inside hanging for kids. There was something for everyone.

“Healthy Kids Day encourages kids and parents to commit together to keeping body and mind active this summer,” Poldiak added in a statement. “The Prospect Park YMCA and Park Slope Armory YMCA always will be dedicated to building healthy confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities.”

To learn more about summer programs at the YMCA in Prospect Park, visit http://www.ymcanyc.org/parkslopearmory.