MIXING FITNESS & FUN

Families switch it up with activity stations at the Pottstown Community Field Day

POTTSTOWN » The Second Annual Pottstown Community Field Day was a block party and fitness demonstration rolled into one event.

A DJ busted out musical tunes while kids and adults went from one fitness station to the next at Chestnut Street Park on Saturday afternoon. Participants were asked to spend five minutes at each station then when the music stopped, it was time to move to the next one. Activities included hula hooping, jumping rope, basketball, soccer and a fitness program that uses drum sticks called Pound.

Pottstown police officers joined in on the fun as well. Families that participated got free raffle tickets for a selection of prizes.

“I would say it’s been a successful day,” said Laura Washington, the event coordinator.

Washington said the community day was one of many events happening in the area on Saturday.

“It’s a good problem to have that a lot of organizations are creating more events to get people outside,” she said.

Washington said getting people outdoors was one of the purposes of having the community field day. She said the goal is get people aware that fitness doesn’t require gym equipment or a membership. She said a park is a great and free opportunity for physical activity. Free water and mixed fruit were provided at the event to show the importance of staying hydrated and having healthy snacks on hand when exercising.

Washington said several community organizations had vendor tables during the community day so families could be aware of the resources available to them. Sponsors for the field day included Genesis Housing Corporation, The Hill School, ArtFusion 19464, Pottstown Athletic Club, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation and many others.

The Mercury is engaged in a long-term effort, Fit for Life, designed to promote healthy living. In addition to articles in the newspaper and on our website, Fit for Life features a blog with recipes, health tips such as getting fit without breaking the bank and other tools all available free online. Visit the website at pottsmercfit4life.com, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ MercFit4Life and follow our efforts on Twitter @MercFit4Life. Michilea Patterson is the Fit for Life reporter and is funded in part by the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation.

MICHILEA PATTERSON — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Amani Marshall, 4, and Jace Jones, 2, have a good time participating in a fitness program that uses drum called Pound. The Pound activity was one of several fitness stations during the Pottstown Community Field Day at Chestnut Street Park on Saturday.

MICHILEA PATTERSON — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Trinity Key, 6, bounces a basketball during the 2nd Annual Pottstown Community Field Day at Chestnut Street Park on Saturday. Basketball dribbling was one of several fitness stations available during the event.

MICHILEA PATTERSON — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Joanne Pritchard and her son Christian Scott, 12, dance it out during the 2nd Annual Pottstown Community Field Day at Chestnut Street Park on Saturday.

MICHILEA PATTERSON — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Adults, children and a few Pottstown police officers participate in the 2nd Annual Pottstown Community Field Day at Chestnut Street Park on Saturday.

MICHILEA PATTERSON — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Fitness instructor Joanne Pritchard far right, leads kids in a fitness program called Pound that uses drum sticks during the 2nd Annual Pottstown Community Field Day at Chestnut Street Park on Saturday.

MICHILEA PATTERSON — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Kids play basketball with a couple of Pottstown police officers during the 2nd Annual Pottstown Community Field Day at Chestnut Street Park on Saturday.

MICHILEA PATTERSON — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA People kick around a soccer ball as part of an activity station during the 2nd Annual Pottstown Community Field Day at Chestnut Street Park on Saturday.