Our Wonderful 2009 Sponsors
Frank R.Howard Memorial Hospital,
Bank of Willits, Sparetime Supply
NCO/Community Action
and the City of Willits

"A BIG THANK YOU!"

How it all Began :
Press Release: June 15th, 2007 - NEW PLAY STRUCTURE IN REC GROVE FOR 2 to 5 YEAR-OLD KIDS IN WILLITS
The toddler and up to five age group now has its very own age-appropriate play structure in the Rec Grove made possible by a matching grant to the City of Willits from First 5 Mendocino in the amount of $9,875.Bright blue, red and yellow are the colors and fun is the object of this play structure that was professionally installed last week.
It's in an area lying SE of the current structure for the 5 to 12 year-old age group. The new equipment is placed on a line from the existing toddler swings and bouncing plastic animals in the play area.This project was conceived by the Willits Playgroup which approached the City Public Works Department with the idea to submit a proposal for a fitness grant from First 5 Mendocino last October because no 2 to 5 year-old public play structure was available in the City and many families had commented on the need for one.The City Council agreed with the need and at the request of the Public Works Department voted to allocate funds to match the First 5 grant so that the town's toddlers could safely enjoy vigorous outside activity along with their older siblings and friends when weather permits. Installation by the structure manufacturer commenced after the Public Works Department relocated existing sprinkler pipes in the space necessary for the equipment. To celebrate this newest addition to the play area in the Rec Grove which now serves children from the age of 2 to 12, the city is sponsoring a "Willits Kids Fitness & Nutrition Fair" on Saturday, July 14th , 11 am to 3 pm. Willits Playgroup Director Wendy Copperfield is spearheading the free event that includes numerous child groups and organizations each of which will provide service information and fun activities for participating children.The fair will also feature entertainment and nutritional food. Proceeds from the event which will include a 50/50 raffle will go to the city to help defray its matching costs for the new play structure.

"We really believe in the Willits Kids Fitness & Nutrition Fair," says Kevin Erich, President and CEO of Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital. The hospital and the City of Willits are sponsoring the 2008 Kids Fair at the Recreation Grove on Saturday, June 21st, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free admittance. "It's a pleasure for us to provide a $500 donation to this important local activity," Erich continues. The City provides free use of the Rec Grove facilities and insurance for the day with North Coast Opportunities/Community Action providing accounting services and support services The Kids Fair focuses on fitness and nutrition while being structured for kids 2 to 12-years-old to enjoy free activities and handouts while the organizations providing the fun have the opportunity to offer information to parents in the Willits area. The event is coordinated by Wendy Copperfield who is also the contact point for the many volunteers manning booths and facilitating activities and entertainment during the Kids Fair. "I want to personally thank all who work so hard to make this event a possibility," Erich says. The hospital is well known for its forward thinking about preventative medicine and everyone is now aware that obesity and the rise in diabetes among children is directly related to the need for more physical activity and better nutrition. Any proceeds from the Fair will go to the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Willits to maintain the playground equipment. It has been noted that the swings by the play structures at Rec Grove have been removed due to wear and tear and need to be replaced at the cost of about $3,000.