Westerville Parks & Recreation created the Virtual Recreation Center (VRC) nearly a year ago when the state of Ohio enacted its stay-at-home order associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. When the late fall/winter surge hit, programmers turned again to the VRC to offer creative and fun options for families staying home.
The Storytime portal is available online at www.westerville.org/ virtualrecreation.
Also available this season are new Do-It-Yourself (DIY) art and craft kits. The kits, packed in reusable totes, were introduced earlier this year. Activities include photo-collage making, iris paper folding, mini terrarium magnet construction, air plant string art and kokedama. Registration is required for all activities.
One popular feature of the VRC was designed specifically for families as a way to entertain and inspire young children. The “Storytime” portal brings storybook characters to life. Princess Tiana and Princess Anna told their tales of adventure, as did superheroes Spiderman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
“This program was designed to help keep the mind occupied with creativity and concentration while staying at home or social distancing,” said Derrick McPeak, Parks & Recreation Program Supervisor. “The kits are curated in such a way that you can add supplies you likely have at home.”
“So much of our preschool and youth programming was postponed or canceled last year, and we really wanted to build something just for them,” said Chelsea Welen, Parks & Recreation Program Supervisor. “There’s something magical about the way young children see these live-action characters reading the stories they know.”
Additional art and craft kits will be introducedthroughout 2021. Visit www.westerville.org/virtualrecreation for information.
Welen says the Storytime portal will continue to add new stories from characters in 2021. The debut of new stories will be announced on the City website and on social media. Follow the Westerville Parks & Recreation Department on Twitter at @WestervillePark and “Like” the City of Westerville Facebook page at www. facebook.com/cityofwesterville.
NEW! Virtual Recreation Center Membership Coming Soon
Westerville Parks and Recreation is close to finalizing plans for a new Virtual Recreation Center (VRC) membership will provide exclusive access to special virtual classes including fitness, special education, a cooking series and many creative arts opportunities. “In this time of social distancing and stay-at-home requirements, we felt it was time to expand the virtual options for the community,” said Mike Phillips, Recreation and Operations Supervisor for Westerville Parks and Recreation. “The VRC membership will offer classes designed especially for members, and will be similar to programs that are similar to the offerings that are in-person at the Westerville Community Center.”
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Filming is underway with both current and new instructors at the Community Center to complete a variety of programs. The VRC membership option will be offered in conjunction to a current Community Center yearly pass or stand-alone. Additional information will be available at www.westerville.org/virtualrecreation soon.
WESTERVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT • (614) 901-6500 • www.wester ville.org
