One of Estevan’s long-standing summer traditions will once again offer free activities for children this summer.
The City of Estevan’s leisure services division is getting ready for the start of the playpark season. Once again the paddling pool/playpark program will be offered at four different sites: Churchill, Rusty Duce, Hillcrest and Hillside.
They will be open this year for crafts, games and activities in the mornings from 10 a.m. to noon, and free swimming in the afternoons from 1-5 p.m.
The programs will start on July 2 and run through Aug. 24.
“We have a lot of activities planned this summer. The parks transform for the theme weeks into oceans for Shark Week, sporting events for Olympics Week and jungles for Animal Planet Week,” said Anne Elder, who is back for her second straight year as the program co-ordinator.
The theme weeks are Ooey Gooey Week (July 2-5), Superheroes Week (July 8-12), Olympics Week (July 15-19), Shark Week (July 22-26) Galaxy Week (July 29-Aug. 2), Animal Planet Week (Aug. 6-9), Colour Me Crazy Week (Aug. 12-16) and Carnival Week (Aug. 19-223).
The program will also host three special events. The pancake breakfast will be served at the Churchill Playpark from 9-11 a.m. on July 11. A Night Under the Stars will happen at the Hillcrest Playpark from 6-9 p.m. on July 30, and the Last Splash Carnival will happen Aug. 21 from 4-7 p.m. at the Royal Heights Veterans’ Memorial Park.
There will also be special Saturday swims and night swims throughout the summer on an alternating basis. On the days of the night swims, there will not be crafts or activities in the mornings at the park that is hosting the night swim.
Erin Wilson, program manager for leisure services, said, “We want to remind parents that summer playparks is not a registered program. We run on a come and go drop-in basis.
“We do our best to keep tabs on all the kids who visit us. As you can imagine, this is not always an easy task for one play leader. We encourage families to talk to their youngsters and make sure they have a safety plan in place.”
Monthly calendars will be on hand at each park. As well, the City of Estevan’s leisure services Facebook page and website will have rules and details.
