Organizations, YMCA, CASD athletes and admin build community at Ash Park
By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times
COATESVILLE – The Brandywine YMCA brought music, moon bounces, and exercise to Ash Park on Tuesday for the second of two Community Days.
According to YMCA Executive Director Chris Wiseman, about 2,000 people showed up to the park to take part in swimming lessons, a basketball shooting contest, and other activities around the park. Organizations from around the city, such as The Movement, Arts Holding Hands and Hearts, and Coatesville Kids to College had tables set up to for residents to learn more about what they offer.
“The Y is all about community. This is a community event, and everything’s local. This is a local neighborhood, so I think this is perfect for the Y,” said Brandywine YMCA Board Member Ryan Clark.
Clark noted that much of the day was about community bonding, and residents’ participation in activities that encourage exercise was a positive byproduct.
The Coatesville Area School District administrators and student athletes were on hand to help with activities and distribute snacks.
Vinnie Laurento, who helped lead exercises at the Activan, said that the student athletes could help inspire kids to exercise.
“There were a lot of kids out here. It was a great time. It got a little hectic,” he said. “Little kids come out, and they look up to them.”
