BROOKINGS – With the next semester of school rapidly approaching, Brookings Parks, Recreation and Forestry is offering a free event for families to enjoy before classes resume.
The first Pack the Park will be at Hillcrest Park from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Inflatables, face paint, yard games, the Midwest Fresh food truck, mini golf, snow cones and more await those who attend the event.
Jordyn Cranny, Parks, Recreation, and Forestry intern, hopes the event will become an annual event. “We’re expecting a good turnout,” she said, noting that their event page on Facebook has received a lot of engagement.
Cranny said that the department hosts a “pop-up program” every year. “We wanted to do something to incorporate all audiences. I know there’s a lot of daycares in town … and I think we’ll target that demographic, from the 3 to 5 range. And after parents get off work, they can bring their kids out during that time.”
Many of the activities at Pack the Park were requested by parks and rec from Rental Depot on Main.
“They’re actually donating every single item we asked for,” Cranny said, as a way for the business to give back to the community. The inflatables, snow cone machine and a karaoke machine and speaker will all be donated for the event.
The parks and rec department is also bringing yard games, including beanbags and ladder golf, as well as face paint for kids to use. The Midwest Fresh food truck will also be present at Hillcrest Park to provide meals and snacks throughout the event.
Cranny hopes that kids who are able to attend the event take advantage of it, considering the value of outdoor play time for children. “To get them outside and playing with friends, I think that’s a good opportunity for any kid that can be part of it.”
Should the weather turn south on Wednesday afternoon and evening, keep an eye on the Brookings Park and Recreation Facebook page for updates.
Contact Alison Simon at asimon@brookingsregister.com.
