The children at Lakeside Park watched from the monkey bars as a giant Connect Four game, colorful hula hoops and decorations was removed from the van. Young staff dressed in flower lei necklaces and grass skirts started some music and invited the kids to play. The oldest girl said “we don’t have any money.” A staffer replied, that’s okay, it’s free! All of the children jumped down and ran over to see the Park & Play activities. Soon those hula hoops were put to use amid smiles and laughter.
Those over a certain age may remember the Parks’ Funmobile. Superintendent of Recreation Patti Davis remarks, “Park & Play is a blast from the past!” She continues “When I began with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, the Funmobile was a very popular program. We’re working to build Park & Play into a strong program that will supplement summer activities for youth in neighborhood parks.”
Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation’s newest summer activity—Park & Play rolled out in June. It stops at parks weekday mornings and afternoons for free sessions of sports, games, arts & crafts, fitness and nature and outdoor education for kids ages five and above. Different themes such as Hawaiian, Under the Sea, Double Trouble and more keep the activities fresh. The schedule is posted on the home page of FortWayneParks.org and also on the Facebook page.
Park & Play is planned rain or shine unless severe weather occurs.