A full day of activities will be held Wednesday for the closing celebration of Greenwood’s Summer in the Parks program.
“It’s a really great and fun day for the parents, staff and kids,” said Bettie Ray, executive secretary to the mayor.
The city-funded program, open to children age 5 to 13, started June 12. The children meet at Clerico Park and Whittington Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.
More than 150 children participated regularly, and some weeks more than 200 attended.
The final day of activities will kick off with a breakfast snack for the children. Then, competitive games will be held in Whittington Park. Children have been assigned to teams, and the city will provide each child with a T-shirt in the color of his or her team.
Lunch will follow in the outdoor gazebo and also in the youth center across the street from the park. The meal will include hot dogs and hamburgers cooked by city employees.
After lunch, a talent program will be presented in the youth center. If time permits, more competitive games will be played in the park.
Ray said the large turnout this summer can be attributed to a combination of the program being free and the leadership of program Director Shun Pearson and Assistant Director Cherrie Criss.
“Shun has a lot of experience with children and organizing activities that appeal to them,” she said.
There are also 17 counselors hired to assist with the children.
“This program is also designed to provide young people with summer jobs,” said Ray.
Pearson said his goal was to create a summer-camp-like feel for the children. They participated in outdoor activities such as basketball, tennis, volleyball, tee-ball, baseball, swimming, arts and crafts projects, educational activities and field trips.
“We try to give them to an opportunity to express themselves, play organized activities and participate in educational activities,” said Pearson.
Jeneen West of Greenwood said her 6-year-old daughter, Kaia, has been participating in the program for two summers.
“She’s made so many friends, and she comes home talking about them,” said West. “I was really impressed by the counselors. They are very responsible and very mature. It has been a tremendous blessing, and the icing on the cake is that it is free.”
Pearson said the program is an asset.
“The kids are happy, and it’s been a big help for parents,” he said. “It’s a free and a safe place where their kids can come to. Parents don’t have to worry about paying a babysitter during the summer or whether their kids are safe and happy.”
Ray is working to secure donations of food and beverages for Wednesday’s event. “The city sponsors everything, but we are also seeking donations to cover some of the costs,” she said.
The celebration is open to the public, and parents are encouraged to attend.
To learn more or to make a donation for the closing celebration, contact Ray at 455-7605 or at bray@city of greenwood.org.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
