FeedsTownship ‘takes it to the streets’
Click image to enlarge
The Van Buren Township Parks and Recreation Department hosted free summertime fun recently. The Takin’ it to the Streets event included inflatables, a monster mural for children to draw on, a DJ, train rides, food, balloon twisting from the High Five GuVan Buren Township Parks and Recreation once again took their summer activities to the road for children of the area as part of the annual ‘Takin’ it to the Streets’ program.
Children of all ages enjoyed free summertime entertainment including inflatables, stilt walking and balloon twisting from the Five High Guys, a monster mural for all children to design, a DJ, free sports equipment and gear to take home and hotdogs from Carlson Catering.
It’s a great way to bring together new and old people of the community, according to officials.
“Many people don’t know what we have so this is a good way to introduce them,” said Jennifer Wright, deputy director of parks and recreation. “It’s economic, free and being that it’s so close to home, it really brought out a crowd. The community wants these events.”
More than 300 children—including 60 from the township recreation day camp—attended the daylong event, which included the Head Start program.
“We’d like to bring in more community businesses, like Head Start in the events to come,” said Wright.
Bruce Ross, director of the parks and recreation, said their mission is to get people out with their families.
“I’m very excited about the event where our theme was ‘No Child/Adult Left Inside’,” he said. “One of the main reason for the increase in participation levels is the economy, too. Gas prices, food prices are on the rise and people are staying closer to home because of this economy. That’s why we in the parks and recreation department have to be ready and create community through people, parks and programs.”
Other upcoming recreation events will be the summer music nights from 7-8:30 p.m. on July 11 at Van Buren Park. It is geared for the whole family and will include movies and music each Friday through Aug. 22.
The township recreation department will also host the Up, Up and Fish Away event on July 26 for children ages 10 and older. It will include making and flying kites, a picnic lunch and fishing at French Landing Park.
For dates, times and more information on any of the recreation programs, contact the department at (734) 699-8921.
