Taking full advantage of the beautiful late spring weather, local families thronged to Marysville's first Healthy Communities Challenge Day held June 6 at Allen Creek Elementary School. Just across the street, the YMCA's Get Movin' program was also in full swing, encouraging active lifestyles during the summer months.

Booths at the event offered information about exercise programs, healthy cooking and eating, family health care and more. Families who registered for the Get Movin' program received a book packed with coupons for fun summertime activities like swimming, skating and martial arts lessons.

With attendance estimated at 3,000 people for the one-day event, organizers were ecstatic about the turnout and the community's enthusiasm.

"The purpose of the day is to help families learn about the resources right here in the community that can help them be more active and stay fit," said Jim Ballew, director of Parks and Recreation for Marysville.

Parks staff members were also on hand to answer questions and encourage hands-on testing of new playground equipment that's under consideration for installation in a city park, including a massive rock climbing wall.

Representing the Marysville School District, athletic director Greg Erickson talked about the revamped fitness curriculum that's being introduced in local schools. The district received an $800,000 three-year grant to pay for training and implementation.

"The teachers have embraced the new program, and so have the kids," said Erickson. "The message is getting out to the community, promoting fitness in real terms."

The ever-excitable Ciscoe Morris, a TV personality and master gardener, gave a rousing presentation touting the benefits of healthy gardening.

"For years, everybody just wanted me to talk about flowers," he said from the stage. "All of a sudden, people are excited about growing their own food again. Maybe it's the economy, but whatever the reason, it's a good thing."

For information about the Healthy Communities initiative, visit the city's Web site at www.ci.marysville.wa.us. Registration for the YMCA's Get Movin' program is open through June 30 by visiting the Marysville Family YMCA at 6420-60th Dr. NE.