Around 150 youngsters who took part in the free program beginning in early July were on hand for a wide variety of events, all designed to offer an entertaining wrap-up to what had been a fun month-and-a-half at eight parks throughout the city.
“Every year we end up having a big grand finale in the park and it’s a really good turnout this year,” said Melanie Darlington, one of the program’s organizers. “And it’s nice and sunny, so they’re all having a great time in the water park and everything. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day.”
With temperatures in the mid-20s C, the water park was in full operation, with youngsters even having the option to try out a slip-n-slide in addition to face painting and arts and crafts. And for those looking for some fun with their counsellors, a dunk tank with a rotating cast of playground helpers was also on site.
“This morning we had a lot of fun, too, we had fire trucks, police officers, soccer, the spray park and lots of fun little things going on,” Darlington said. “Dance Fitness came by and did some dancing with the kids and now we’re just doing a station rotation with all sorts of fun things to do… it’s just a really fun day for everyone out here.”
According to the City of Moose Jaw website, the playground program is designed “to provide a cost-efficient play program utilizing city playgrounds and making the program accessible to as many children as possible within the city.”
To that end, all events throughout the program were free to participants, offering availability to as many youngsters throughout the city as possible. Weekly themes – Heroes Today, Camp Rock and Myth Busters being some – offered an extra twist to the weeks of activities, which began July 5 and ran through until Thursday’s Blast.
“The primary goal of the playground program is to encourage and guide the development of the children’s character, creativeness, social attitude, health, and happiness in all their activities,” said the city website. “Participation in playground activities conducted under qualified leadership and in a fun, safe, and healthy manner will enhance skills and interests which will contribute to the child’s character now and for continued enjoyment later in life.”
