The Tomah Health Community Foundation is helping children stay healthy at a special indoor wellness and physical activity facility. Members of the foundation donated $2,500 to the Tomah Parks & Recreation Dept.’s Recreation Station April 17. “Support from the community is huge and with this donation from the Tomah Health Community Foundation, we’re going to be able to add a special area, especially for those aged 6 months to two years old for them to play with their parents or their grandparents,” said Tomah Parks & Recreation director Joe Protz.
City officials renovated the former Tomah North Side Fire Station in 2023 to facilitate an open gym play area for children ages 5 and under. “It’s just been popular because every year we kind of feel the need of the community filling a void where parents can we take kids throughout the day, especially in the colder months. It just gives them an opportunity to get out and play and get physically active because kids need that of all ages, and it has been a great success so far.”
Protz said the facility has been popular for children’s birthday parties and special events. He said staff also provide several themed events for families.
Foundation president Brian Eirschele said the donation supports the mission of the foundation to help not-for-profit organizations that enhance the health and wellness of residents in Monroe County. “We love being able to give to our local community and in this case, being able to support this wonderful facility because we know there’s a strong need for parents. Positioning young children to be healthy and happy, what else could we ask for?”
Protz said future plans include making the facility more energy efficient and adding more equipment and opportunities for children. “With donations like today, we’ll be able provide more activities for kids to get out and be healthy.”
The Recreation Station is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in addition to special times for events.
To learn more about Tomah Parks & Recreation, CLICK HERE