CentraCare Health Monticello hosted its annual community picnic last Thursday at Ellison Park in Monticello with the theme: Be a Health Warrior.

 

Kids were invited to test their warrior skills on the Ninjas United course, or for the younger kids under five, tackle a kid-friendly obstacle course.

 

“It’s great way to promote physical activities and health,” said Joni Pawelk, Director of Marketing and Community Relations for CentraCare Health - Monticello. 

 

CentraCare provided all the food and beverages, including pulled pork sandwiches, chips, popcorn, trail mix and water.

 

Kids lined up to try the Ninja course, which included gymnastic-type rings, climbing rope nets and a challenging vertical wall.

 

The obstacle course for the younger kids included straw bales for balance,  small hurdles for jumping over and a pool filled with plastic balls - just for fun. 

 

Kids also spent some time decorating free CentraCare Frisbees, then throwing them around the park for more exercise. They also had a chance to check out a CentraCare ambulance and talk with EMS personnel.

 

There was live music throughout the four-hour event by singer/guitarist Ben Aaron.

 

The weather was a bit steamy with a threat of thunderstorms. But the clouds never opened up, and the park had a steady flow of guests all day.

 

Last year, the event drew over 1,000 people. This year’s numbers were close to that, with the majority being young parents with children - with a few grandparents mixed in.

 

“We’re promoting health and wellness,” said Pawelk. “It’s a fun way for us to give back to the community and interact with the younger families.”

 

The event, in its fifth year, is in keeping with CentraCare’s  commitment that health is more than just what happens within the walls of the hospital and clinic. 

 

“It’s about investing in the community,” said Pawelk.