Rec Programs Seeking to Improve Grant County Health

Organizations in Grant County continue to see and address a large need for recreational opportunities to increase quality of life and overall health in the community.

Over the past few years, Grant County has added several areas and programs to increase recreation opportunities, including Wiggly Field Dog Park, Buck Sports Complex, and the Fitness Court Studio at Charles Mill Park. The Grant County YMCA is planning to open a new location in Gas City in September of 2027.

Adam Myers, the CEO of the Grant County YMCA, said that Grant County ranks third to last in Population Health and Well-Being in the state of Indiana, which is driving change to create more opportunities in the area. Myers said health goes beyond just physical fitness.

“We’re trying to create opportunities to develop that mind, body, and spirit,” Myers said. “The healthier that our people are, and the more that we help train them to think about outreach and service, that ultimately leads to a better community.”

Andy Davis, the Splash Pad director for the City of Marion Parks and Recreation Department, said that recreational opportunities add to the quality of life and give people a reason to stay and buy in to the community.

Organizations that provide these kind of opportunities constantly monitor the demands of the public. Davis said they constantly monitor social media to receive the community feedback and determine different things it might want.

Evelyn Waymire, the Assistant Athletic Director for Recreation and Enrollment at Indiana Wesleyan University, said that needs change over time.

“There’s always going to be trends, whether that’s the rock wall or racquetball or pickleball, but I think in recreation, it’s staying plugged into what is happening, and then being willing to adjust,” Waymire said.

The furthering of these opportunities requires participation from the community. The Grant County YMCA partners with several other organizations, including Indiana Wesleyan University and local churches and school systems.

Myers said that while the YMCA is able to offer different programs at reduced prices, it wouldn’t be possible without community involvement, both financially and through volunteering. While the community helps support the programs, the programs give back to the community, which creates a better environment for all involved.

“One of the reasons why I transitioned from my previous job to here was so we could create opportunities for change, and we do that by serving and by providing these various programs, and that’s making an impact in our community,” Myers said. “It’s a trickle effect, and I hope then that people go out and do the same for their neighbors.”