MARYSVILLE — Corey Johnson decided it’s time for his family to get moving.
Johnson, 31, and his family were passing by Saturday afternoon when the commotion at Allen Creek Elementary School attracted their attention. They stopped to check it out.
Johnson and his son Johntai, 12, had checked out the exercise machines and were heading to inspect the rock climbing wall.
Johnson was glad they’d stopped by. “I think this is a good idea. We want to get healthy,” he said.
The event, which included dozens of free activities, information booths and giveaways, was part of the Marysville Healthy Communities Challenge Day, which was planned to help families lead healthier lives.
“We looked in the mirror and decided that it’s time to pay attention to our bodies,” said Jim Ballew, Marysville Parks and Recreation director.
Saturday also kicked off Get Movin’, a free program to encourage Snohomish County families to exercise this summer. About 1,000 people signed up for the program at the Marysville YMCA before heading across the street for a day of racing and hopping.
The program gives free weekly prizes for kids who are active for 30 minutes five times a week. Those who registered Saturday scored a bright-yellow T-shirt and a book of coupons for free activities throughout the county this summer, said Caroline Brown, health and wellness director at the Marysville YMCA. The book includes a calendar with star stickers to mark each day of physical activity.
Get Movin’ also kicked off in Everett, Lynnwood, Monroe and Stanwood. More than 2,400 people registered for the program in five cities, Brown said.
In Stanwood, events included juggling, a fitness class and a performance by a unicycle team, Brown said.
“All in all, it’s been a great day,” she said. The program is well on its way to reach its goal and enroll 3,000 people this summer.
Booths outside the Allen Creek Elementary offered tons of information and displays on how to become healthier. Several kids were studying a stand that ruthlessly dissected mac and cheese, coke, and potato chips into calories, fat and sugar.
Madison Rossnagle, 11, of Marysville, came with her mom, sister and friends.
Madison, who plays soccer at school, just won a medal for a “soccer practice test.” Still, no other activity Saturday could beat the rock climbing wall, she said.
Michelle Dineen, 44, of Mill Creek sat down to watch the hula-hoop challenge, where her 7-year-old daughter Kaitlyn was helping.
“She doesn’t like competition,” Dineen said. “This is a good alternative to organized sports.”
Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.
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