FeedsAnnual Mud Day is July 11
Wayne County Parks will host the 18th annual Mud Day from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. July 11 at the Nankin Mills picnic area, located on Hines Drive near Ann Arbor Trail in Westland.
As part of the event, county staff will use several tons of topsoil and thousands of gallons of water to create a giant mud pit in which families can play.
“It was created so that kids could get as messy as possible without getting in trouble,” said Beverly Watts, director of Wayne County Parks.
She said a lot of work goes into the construction of the mud pit.
“It’s 1 ½ feet deep, 110 feet long, and 75 feet wide,” said Watts. “We start filling it at least six hours early. That’s how long it takes for us to get it just the way we want it—nice and messy.” Lengthwise, the pit is the equivalent of about one-third of a football field.
The efforts seem to pay off, however, as an increasing number of residents take time to get involved.
“Last year, we had at least 1,500 people,” Watts said. “This year, we’re trying to definitely double that number.”
Once the pit is opened, children will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of different games, races, and contests. They can also play in a fountain of water streaming down, sprinkler style, from a fire hose provided by the Westland Fire Department, Watts said.
“You don’t have to worry about your child getting dirty—they will,” she said. She added that they recommend that participants dress in old clothes.
At the end of the event, two of the filthiest children will earn the title of Mr. and Ms. Mud Day.
Although Westland firefighters will be on hand to hose down the filthy children when it’s time to go home, Watts recommended that parents bring a towel and a clean set of clothes.Mud Day will occur rain or shine. For more information about this free event, contact the Wayne County Parks at (734) 261-1990 or visit their web site at www.waynecounty.com/parks.
