Most local governments are being forced to cut funding for non-critical programs in these tough economic times. The Marysville City Council announced at the November 24 meeting that the Healthy Communities Project is also facing budget cuts. City Councilmember Carmen Rasmussen is hopeful that Marysville can sustain the life of the program, even if it's in a reduced state, without the additional funds.

The Snohomish Health District first introduced the Healthy Communities Project to Marysville in 2006, and the obesity-fighting program has been growing strong ever since. The planning team identified three priorities which became the action plan for the project.

Priority one is to increase the community's activity level by enhancing biking paths and walkability of Marysville. The second priority is to increase the access to healthy foods and nutrition by promoting healthy choices at schools, businesses, local restaurants, food banks and community gardens. The third and final priority is to increase the number of free or low-cost recreational activities.

Even though the budget has been downsized, the program doesn't have to stop or even slow down. The program is aimed at targeting citizens on a community level rather than as individual participants. This group aspect is why City Council members believe the project will continue to thrive, because the community will carry on its work to keep the Healthy Communities Project a success.

So far this season, 800 children have signed up for the Parks and Recreation Department's basketball program, which is giving a strong push to the Healthy Communities. The program is also encouraging Marysville citizens to head to the Marysville-Pilchuck High School track for Walking Wednesdays from 5 to 9 p.m.

To get other exercise tips and nutrition strategies, and to find out about community events for the project, go to www.ci.marysville.wa.us/ and find the Healthy Communities Project under the pulldown for Marysville Web Site Quick Links.

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