Virtual Recreation Center

Virtual Recreation Helps Residents Stay Active, Centered During Crisis

During the COVID-19 crisis, Westerville Parks and Recreation continued to serve the community with virtual recreation opportunities. Gov. Mike DeWine issued a stay-at-home Order in March, encouraging people to only venture into populated areas for essential needs. Gyms, senior centers and recreation centers were also ordered to close. In that time, hundreds of residents turned to the City’s robust network of parks and trails for exercise. “We were thrilled that so many families were opting to utilize their neighborhood parks and trails during this difficult time,” said Randy Auler, Director of Westerville Parks and Recreation. As time went on and experts learned more about the pernicious behavior of the virus, another Order was issued to close all of the playgrounds in the state to help stop the spread. While the parks and trails remained open, Auler knew that residents would be looking for ways to stay active from the comfort of their homes. His team quickly assembled a Virtual Recreation Portal at www.westerville.org/virtualrec. “We tapped into our network of expert fitness instructors that provide services through the Westerville Community Center to continue those services online, free of charge,” Auler said. “This was about doing what is right for the people we serve and maintaining the relationships with our instructors.” Not limited to fitness offerings, the portal also gave users the opportunity to explore wellness, arts and music, games and educational activities, programs for older adults and an outdoor recreation guide. “Westerville Parks and Recreation believes in supporting the community holistically with a wellrounded offering of programs that encourage wellness,” Auler said. “It was important to us that we continue these services online.” Check out the online resource at www.westerville.

org/virtualrec.