Kids ages 4-12 took over the Rec Center from 5-9 p.m. Friday for Kids’ Night Out.

The event opened the Rec doors to kids, giving them a night to swim in the Rec’s pool, rock climb, and play on the basketball courts.

The Rec staff members volunteered to work the event.

Aaron Shaffer, Rec council president and Marshall senior, said the event brings all of the members together.

“We all volunteer for it, it’s a Rec Council activity,” Shaffer said. “It’s (Rec Council) basically bridging the gap between professional staff and the student members of the rec.”

Shaffer said the Rec staff not only participates in Kids’ Night Out for the enjoyment, but for future career opportunities as well.

“It’s a good time. It looks good on the resume,” Shaffer said. “It’s a good volunteer experience. I mean it’s not a bad time. You get some free pizza out of it as well. I’m Rec Council president, so it’s one of my jobs to be here.”

Kids’ Night Out had an attendance of about 30 kids, which the staff attributed to Valentine’s Day. Shaffer said the average attendance of kids who attend the event is 20-25.

Kids’ Night Out gave parents of the community, Rec members and non-members, the opportunity to have early dinners for Valentine’s Day.

Kids’ Night Out parent Krystal Chukwumemka said she was notified about the event through flyers, by her sister and by email.

Chukwumemka’s nine-year old daughter has previously taken swimming lessons at the Rec.

“This was her first time (attending Kid’s Night Out),” Chukwumemka said. “She was excited, she had her cellphone, and she didn’t call me the whole time, so she must be having fun.”

Kids’ Night Out occurs on the first Friday of every month, but an exception was made in February in honor of Valentine’s Day.

Mercedez Speight can be contacted at [email protected].