It's summer -- time to rock the park
Sunday, June 17, 2007
By Lori CookThe Grand Rapids Press
The summer season kicks off with the first of six Maranda Park Parties on Thursday at John Ball Park in Grand Rapids. The event offers something for everyone -- free food, entertainment and activities for kids and families. The parties also serve as a great opportunity for neighbors to get know one another and celebrate community.
"I think events like Park Parties are important because it's a great way to get the community to come together in a nice, safe setting like John Ball Park to interact, eat together and share conversation," said Lt. John Keelean, of the Grand Rapids Police Department.
Eating together definitely is one of the highlights at Park Parties. Kids can enjoy free McDonald's Apple Dippers, fresh produce for kids from Meijer and Michigan apples, Ice Mountain water, Cheese Kurls and Cold Stone Creamery ice cream.
Another big draw are the large-scale activities such as the 32-foot climbing wall, the two-story Super Slide, the Dixie Twister and the Turbo Tubs. Companies bring out volunteers to help staff the activities.
"Fifth Third Bank is thrilled to be a part of Maranda's Park Parties again this year by staffing the Fifth Third Super Slide," said Jennifer Ranville, the bank's western Michigan spokeswoman.
"We already have all of our volunteers lined up and ready to go," Ranville said. "Our employees love participating in these incredible events to help make the day as fun and memorable as possible for the children who attend. It's a great way to support the children, their families and the communities we serve."
Dozens of local nonprofit groups also will offer fun, educational, hands-on activities such as the fire safety trailer from E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc., the Fit Pit from the YMCA, live animals and artifacts from John Ball Zoo, a wellness obstacle course from Priority Health and health information from Network 180 at the climbing wall.
Kid performers will entertain crowds during the party. Entertainment includes hip-hop group "Next II None," Ronald McDonald and Lowell's own world champion "Karate Kid," 13-year-old Mariah Moore. Mariah is part of the U.S. National Martial Arts Team. She is excited to be performing at all Park Parties this summer.
"It is such a joy to perform for other young people, not only because I am going out and expressing myself in the sport that I love, but it also shows that I reached for my dream and accomplished it," Mariah said.
"I hope to inspire other kids to find something they love, work hard and never give up until they make their dreams come true. I am just a regular kid, and I'm proof that if you're willing to work hard, you can do anything you want to do and be anything you want to be."
Sunday, June 17, 2007
By Lori CookThe Grand Rapids Press
The summer season kicks off with the first of six Maranda Park Parties on Thursday at John Ball Park in Grand Rapids. The event offers something for everyone -- free food, entertainment and activities for kids and families. The parties also serve as a great opportunity for neighbors to get know one another and celebrate community.
"I think events like Park Parties are important because it's a great way to get the community to come together in a nice, safe setting like John Ball Park to interact, eat together and share conversation," said Lt. John Keelean, of the Grand Rapids Police Department.
Eating together definitely is one of the highlights at Park Parties. Kids can enjoy free McDonald's Apple Dippers, fresh produce for kids from Meijer and Michigan apples, Ice Mountain water, Cheese Kurls and Cold Stone Creamery ice cream.
Another big draw are the large-scale activities such as the 32-foot climbing wall, the two-story Super Slide, the Dixie Twister and the Turbo Tubs. Companies bring out volunteers to help staff the activities.
"Fifth Third Bank is thrilled to be a part of Maranda's Park Parties again this year by staffing the Fifth Third Super Slide," said Jennifer Ranville, the bank's western Michigan spokeswoman.
"We already have all of our volunteers lined up and ready to go," Ranville said. "Our employees love participating in these incredible events to help make the day as fun and memorable as possible for the children who attend. It's a great way to support the children, their families and the communities we serve."
Dozens of local nonprofit groups also will offer fun, educational, hands-on activities such as the fire safety trailer from E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc., the Fit Pit from the YMCA, live animals and artifacts from John Ball Zoo, a wellness obstacle course from Priority Health and health information from Network 180 at the climbing wall.
Kid performers will entertain crowds during the party. Entertainment includes hip-hop group "Next II None," Ronald McDonald and Lowell's own world champion "Karate Kid," 13-year-old Mariah Moore. Mariah is part of the U.S. National Martial Arts Team. She is excited to be performing at all Park Parties this summer.
"It is such a joy to perform for other young people, not only because I am going out and expressing myself in the sport that I love, but it also shows that I reached for my dream and accomplished it," Mariah said.
"I hope to inspire other kids to find something they love, work hard and never give up until they make their dreams come true. I am just a regular kid, and I'm proof that if you're willing to work hard, you can do anything you want to do and be anything you want to be."
1 comment:
Great to hear that you are living your dreams and helping kids as well. The party in the park sounds awesome.
I LOVE ICE CREAM. =D
Cheers!
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