Columbia's YouZeum to educate about health and fitness
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Columbia's YouZeum is planned to teach children about physical health and fitness through a series of fun, engaging exhibits and activities. The YouZeum, located in downtown Columbia, is slated to open summer 2007:
The YouZeum was slated to open by the end of this year, but construction has been delayed. Problems stemming from the age of the 30,000-square-foot building are behind the delay, said YouZeum board chairman Jim Ritter. The building was originally constructed in 1937 and served as a post office. . . .
Formerly called the Health Adventure Center, the not-for-profit YouZeum project was conceptualized by the Boone County Medical Society Alliance in the early '90s. In 2003, the U.S. Department of Education donated the Federal Building at 608 Cherry St. for the YouZeum . . .
By combining education with interactive experience, Executive Director Gwen Robbins said she hopes YouZeum patrons will better understand how their health and lifestyle decisions affect their own well-being, as well as the well-being of their families and those in the community. From making quick decisions in the life-size emergency room to fighting "germ wars" on an interactive video screen, children and adults will have the opportunity to experience "real life" situations through innovative technology at the YouZeum.
"When a kid gets to laugh while learning the reason the candy bar's not such a good choice, it becomes fun," Robbins said. Visitors may also take a healthy cooking class in the YouZeum kitchen. . . .
