Fun for All series begins third year

FINDLAY — Despite gray days and frigid temperatures, winter can also be fun thanks to the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation's Fun for All series. This the third year for the program that provides free family-friendly activities. "There's ice skating. There's things outdoors, things indoors, the arts, athletics, all different kinds of things," said Brian Treece, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. "It's a lot of fun when you get to see them and go be part of them." The series came about in response to ideas shared during the last round of Community Conversations, he said. "We again heard from people that the things they wanted in our community were free community activities," said Treece. "I think they started it as affordable and we started digging into what does 'affordable' mean? And we quickly learned that it actually means free." A pilot program was started in 2023. Treece said over 10,000 people attended events that first year. Cost can sometimes be a barrier for people, he said. "During the first round of Community Conversations years ago, we were at 50 North and heard that people wanted more affordable things to do. And so I said, 'Well, what do you mean by affordable?' And this individual there was really brave and shared her story,'" he said. "She said, 'I'm on an incredibly fixed income. If I want to go to an event that costs $5, I have to make a choice. And if I go to that event, I don't do laundry that week.' And that was the choice that she made." That really started putting things into perspective, said Treece. "It's not about finding things that are low-cost. It's really about no cost," he said. He said transportation can also be a barrier. "So having things around the community and then when we can offer transportation because that key is making sure that people have access," said Treece. "And if you don't have a vehicle, there's some challenges in our town." The number grew to 12,000 the next year, according to Treece. "And so this is now something that we are doing for the foreseeable future," he said. Not only are free activities fun, he said, these pro-social activities cross every one of the social determinants of health. These are non-medical factors that affect a person's health. "So if you're looking at overall community health, one way to help is through pro-social activities," said Treece. "So it's two-fold. Yes, it's fun and it's helping to keep us healthier." The first year, one of their big intentions was to try and provide activities that would appeal to community members of all ages. "So when you look at our calendar, you'll see intentional things for seniors at 50 North. For young professionals, we partnered and did a tailgating with Findlay Young Professionals. For kids, for families, we did a movie at the Marathon Center," he said. "We're trying with our partners to do things that hit a lot of the demographic groups in our community and we're always looking for new ideas." A good example is the gathering of Hancock County mayors to talk and share ideas. Treece said staff from the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts was at one of these meetings. That's where they came up with idea to share a show that plays at the Marathon Center in one of the villages. Head for the Hills will perform at the Jenera Community Building at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The band's style of music is described as progressive bluegrass but it also explores Americana to jazz, indie rock and hip-hop. "So if it works and assuming it's a great experience, we could keep doing that," Treece said. Earlier this month, a free community winter skate was held in the pavilion at Sycamore Springs Golf Course. "They did a portable ice rink at Arlington because it's important to not only be in Findlay but also be out in Hancock County," Treece said. "Half of our population is outside of the city limits, and there are people who are doing incredible things in those villages." This summer, free pool days are planned at every public swimming pool in Hancock County. "It's a lot of fun when you get to see them and go be part of them," Treece said. 50 North was one of their first partners of the series, he noted. "And they did some really cool things that booked up very quickly on the weekends because they typically didn't have the hours on the weekends. And if you're a working person who is also of the appropriate age for 50 North, sometimes it's hard to actually take advantage of those," he said. They have also provided free days at the Children's Museum, art classes at the Findlay Art League, the Mazza Museum's Funday Sunday and train rides and a kids' zone at the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc. The program also gives the public a chance to do something they might not otherwise get to try. "We really rely on those nonprofit partners. We couldn't do it without them. They're the ones who do all the work for the events. So it takes a lot of people," said Treece. There will be another full slate of activities this year like Symphony Storytimes with the Lima Symphony Orchestra and Family Opera on Wheels with the Toledo Opera. The list is updated regularly and can be found on the foundation's website and Facebook page. "I would just encourage people to try things and just come and have fun," he said. "I wrote about this a couple of weeks ago. There is far more good in our community than anything else, and part of the good is when we come together and just have fun."