Growing Room: YMCA of Parkersburg cuts ribbon on Kids Zone | News, Sports, Jobs

YMCA of Parkersburg staff members and guests check out the new Kids Zone area following a ribbon cutting Wednesday. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

PARKERSBURG — The YMCA of Parkersburg introduced an expanded space for drop-in child care to the community this week.

For years, the Y has offered free care to kids age 6 weeks to 12 years in a room in the child care area for members at the facility or patrons using a day pass. But the new Kids Zone can accommodate up to 30 at a time.

“This is actually triple the amount of space,” YMCA of Parkersburg CEO Jeff Olson said. “We’re able to serve a lot more now than we have been in the past.”

Work on the former racquetball court-turned-heavy weights area began in January 2021, Olson and Facilities Director Mark Posten said. The 800-square-foot room includes toys for various ages, plus books and art supplies to keep youngsters entertained while their parents work out, swim or get in a game of pickup basketball.

Olson said the Y isn’t just a place to exercise but an organization with a mission to promote Christian principles and serve the community. Providing free child care for which members and patrons do not have to register removes a barrier for parents who might have trouble finding time to work out.

Michael Browning, left, with U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin’s office, and Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley President/CEO Jill Parsons hold a ribbon to be cut by YMCA of Parkersburg Facilities Director Mark Posten at the Y’s new Kids Zone room on Wednesday. Also pictured is YMCA CEO Jeff Olson. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

“We tend to use that as an excuse for why we don’t become more physically active,” Olson said.

A press release from the Y said the Kids Zone gives parents a chance to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is a positive example for their children, while giving the kids an opportunity to socialize.

The renovated area was celebrated Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting by the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Michael Browning represented U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., at the event.

“There’s nothing more important than making sure children have a safe environment to learn and play,” he read from a letter from Manchin.

The Kids Zone is available 8 a.m. to noon and 4-8 p.m. weekdays.

Walker resident Emily Ingold, 6, tries out some of the toys in the YMCA of Parkersburg’s new Kids Zone facility Wednesday. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

Evan Bevins can be reached at [email protected].