Grayson County plans recreation center to combat obesity crisis

Britney Clemens, executive director of the Grayson County Healthcare Foundation, emphasized the urgent need for a recreation center in Litchfield during a recent government meeting. Highlighting alarming health statistics, Clemens reported that 44% of adults in Grayson County are classified as obese, significantly higher than the state average of 35% and the national average of 30%. The obesity rate among Kentucky children aged 10 to 17 stands at 24%, one of the highest in the nation.

Clemens pointed out that only 21% of Grayson County residents have access to exercise opportunities, according to 2022 county health rankings. A community health needs assessment conducted in 2021 identified obesity and physical inactivity as top health priorities, based on feedback from over 1,100 residents.

The Healthcare Foundation believes that establishing a recreation center will provide essential health education and physical activity programs, particularly for youth and seniors, who currently have limited options. Multiple community partners, including the Grayson County Health Department and Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center, have pledged support for programming.

In a significant commitment to this initiative, the Grayson County Healthcare Foundation has agreed to donate 10.4 acres of land across from the ECTC Litchfield campus for the proposed recreation center, marking a proactive step towards improving community health and wellness.