Health Department

Healthy Communities

What is a Healthy Community?

Community design, amenities and policies can motivate individuals to make healthy lifestyle decisions. A healthy community wil promote social and physical environments that encourage citizens to be active, eat well, eliminate tobacco use and access preventive health services.

The most successful strategies for healthy communities are always born of collaboration. When local governments, businesses, organizations, schools, churches and clubs work together in the best interests of the people and communities they serve, great things can be achived...as witnessed by a few of the local initiatives already in place.

Marietta Trail Network

Marietta is home to several miles of nature trails. Trails currently exist at Marietta High School, Marietta Middle School, Kris-Mar Greenspace, Washington State Community College and the Kroger Wetlands. Click here to access maps of the various trails within the Network. The River Valley Mountain Bike Association has been instrumental in the development and maintenance of this network of hiking and mountain biking trails.

Community Gardens

Washington County Harvest of Hope has been instrumental in the development of community gardens throughout our county. Community gardens allow citizens with limited land and/or resources to grow their own produce. New Matamoras, Belpre and Marietta are home to six gardens that serve nearly 100 families. These gardens also serve as gleaning projects, with portions of the harvests donated to local food pantries to serve our most at-risk residents.

Washington Playground Revitalization

Through the collaboration of concerned citizens, businesses and organizations, Washington Playground has been revitalized to safely serve families in Marietta's historic residential neighborhood and students at Washington Elementary School. The playground's new look includes a water fountain, gazebo, soccer goals, benches, shade trees and a fresh coat of paint on the equipment.

Cutler Community Center

The old Cutler School now serves residents of western Washington County as the Cutler Community Center. The Center provides its residents with a meeting place for community events and activities. The Center has recently created a fitness room within the center that contains four new pieces of cardiovascular exercise equipment. A community gardening program is also slated to begin in Spring.

Indian Acres Skatepark

Through community partnerships and the grassroots efforts of Skaters United, Washington County is home to Indian Acres Skatepark, the Mid Ohio Valley's first! The skatepark serves as a designated venue for the region's burgeoning skateboarding community. Through community collaboration, the skatepark was completed at a fraction of the cost of similar skateparks, and a street course expansion is already in the works!

Big Buckeye Disc Golf Course

Disc golf is a fast-growing outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. Similar to golf, the object of disc golf is to complete each hole in as few throws -- or strokes -- as possible. The Broughton Nature and Wildlife Education Area is now home to one of the region's few tournament level courses. Click here to access the Marietta Disc Golf Association's website and information on the Big Buckeye Disc Golf Course.

Marietta Aquatic Center

Need a place to cool off? Try the Marietta Aquatic Center at Indian Acres Park! The Aquatic Center features a zero depth entry pool, splash playground, lazy river and two great water slides. It is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day

River City Farmers' Market

At the River City Farmers' Market, located at the Washington County Fairgrounds, you can find anything that is home-grown! The Market is open on Saturdays (Jan 1 - Mar 31) from 9:00 to 1:00, Saturdays (Apr 1 - Dec 31) from 8:00 to 1:00 and on Wednesdays (May 1 to Oct 1) from 3:00 to 7:00. Food Stamps are now accepted at the Market.

Marietta River Trail

The Marietta River Trail is arguably the county's most well-utilized fitness resource. Currently, the paved, multi-use path runs from Indian Acres Park, along the banks of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers to the corner of Fourth & Ohio Streets. Future plans will extend the popular path to Cogswell Lane near the Pioneer Family Golf and Wal-Mart shopping complex. The trail is accessible for pedestrians, biking, inline skating and wheelchairs.

Senior Recreation at the O'Neill Center & Belpre Senior Center

The O'Neill Center and Belpre Senior Center provides seniors a wide array of recreational opportunities. From chair volleyball to Zumba to tai chi, the two center will have something to suit your needs. The O'Neill Center's latest offering, Back to Biking, allows seniors to borrow Schwinn bicycles for leisurely rides along the Marietta River Trail.

Recreation Clubs & Associations

Recreation clubs and associations provide social environments that instrumental in fostering and sustaining healthy habits in individuals. Residents of Washington County are blessed to be served by the following groups in the Mid Ohio Valley.