Summer Playground now accepting applicants

Many look forward to summer vacation — the warm weather, trips to the beach, spending time with friends, traveling. But what happens to an eight-year-old who can’t travel the world? His parents work during the school day and now he is forced to entertain himself.

“Summer Playground was created to give kids a social and safe place to spend their days outside instead of in front of a screen,” said Nicole Hansen, a Summer Playground employee. “They have the opportunity to interact with other children and staff, as well as play games, make crafts and weekly trips to the Aquatic Center.”

Enrollment has opened for summer of 2016 for first-grade through fifth-grade children.

“You can sign them up online or by going into the Logan Rec Center,” said Nicole Findlay, the assistant youth coordinator. “It’s a really good program that helps kids gain friendships and teaches them a lot of life skills. The kids will learn how to get along with others.”

Summer Playground is held from 1-5 p.m. at Willow Park and Adams Park.

Upon arrival, the children will be gathered together for announcements given by a group of employees. Then the children will break into groups according to age. Each group will rotate through a variety of active and passive activities, supervised by employees, most of whom worked with the local elementary school’s after-school programs. After the rotation, snacks will be provided. The children will also have free time to play on the playground at the park. Craft supplies and board games will be available during free time.

Another rotation of activities will follow. After the second rotation, the children will help clean up the park and then employees will read books until parents arrive to pick them up.

“Basically, your kids get to play at the park all afternoon and we’ll supervise them,” Hansen said. “You just have to drop them off and pick them up or live in walking distance.”

Guest speakers are scheduled to speak to the children every few weeks.

“Last year we had a lady come and talk to the kids about how to recycle and why it’s important,” Hansen said. “It was so cute because the kids got to ask lots of questions and then the rest of the summer they were so worried about what needed to be recycled when they’d help clean up the park.”

Every Wednesday the children will spend the afternoon at the Logan Aquatic Center instead of the normal activities.

Summer Playground employees plan for about 80 participants at Willow Park and 60 at Adams Park.

“We usually fill up pretty quick,” Findlay said. “Once we do, put your kid on the waitlist. Usually, a handful of kids will drop out so we’ll call you if a spot opens up for your son or daughter. It’s a great opportunity to get kids out of the house, playing with other kids and learning.”

The Summer Playground will last Monday through Friday from June 6 to Aug. 5.