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Park to feature cruise nights, children's programs

Date: 6/9/2010

June 16, 2010.

SOUTH HADLEY -- The Friends and the South Hadley community supporters of Buttery Brook Park are pleased to welcome families to an exciting summer of events at the park. The park is located at 123 Willimansett St. (Rte. 33) in South Hadley.

The season of family fun began on Memorial Day. Recent improvements to the park are mainly for younger children and include a giant sandbox with ride-on diggers, an outdoor drum set, a ride-on two-seater airplane and a play structure for young children. The skate park is in the process of being moved to create a grassy picnic space that overlooks the new play equipment.

The summer events calendar at Buttery Brook Park also includes the regular weekly Friday Cruise Night car show and family cookout (the main fundraising activity that supports the continuing improvements at the park), a Summer Children's Concert Series on Wednesday mornings in July, sponsored by the Gorse Children's Center and other local businesses, and Big Rig Day, sponsored by the South Hadley Electric Light Department, on July 15.

According to Cathy Manly, a Friends of Buttery Brook Park volunteer, a Friends' goal is to create a space where families with children can meet and play. "Some older members of the Friends remember the park as a wonderful place to go when they had young families. Several more recent Friends volunteers have young families, and we're striving to make this park as accessible and exciting for local families as possible," she said.

Future improvements, which will be funded in part by proceeds from this season's events, include improvements to the playground and the possibility of an exercise trail, with a wading pool and spray park being on the longer-term horizon, Manly said.

Besides funding, the Friends are also seeking volunteers to help with the season's events. If you wish to volunteer, contact friendsofbutterybrook@yahoo.com.

Upcoming Events

Friday Cruise Nights -- every Friday evening now through Sept. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to dusk.

Cruise nights are free and open to the public. Stroll through the park and enjoy classic cars (weekly and monthly trophies awarded), DJ music (enjoy those oldies!), refreshments and the company of neighbors and friends. Plan to join us for supper the menu includes hot dogs and hamburgers along with a variety of beverages (including beer). Proceeds from food sales help to support park improvements such as the new playground at the center of the park. Kids will also enjoy the coloring corner and animal feeding area -- make it a family night! Volunteers to assist with the food concession are always appreciated.

For more information e-mail kmaro68@aol.com.

Children's Summer Concert Series, July 14, 21 and 28 from 10 to 11 a.m.

The concert series provides free entertainment for children ages 10 and under on Wednesday mornings in July. Presented by the Friends of Buttery Brook Park and the South Hadley Family Center (www.shfamilycenter.org). For more information e-mail camanly@gmail.com.

On July 14 see Aric Bieganek, known locally as "The Jack Black of Kids' Music." A children's music teacher in Northampton, he performs rockin' music for families that gets everyone dancing!

On July 21 see Jay Mankita, an internationally acclaimed songwriter, guitarist and recording artist from Amherst. He tours his music for children and adults in a veggie oil-powered van.

On July 28 enjoy Miss Leticia as she brings us a high energy, multi-lingual music and movement performance. A regular Amherst performer and teacher, she has played music with children of all ages for over 10 years.

Big Rig Day, July 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (July 22 rain date if necessary).

Come see Big Rigs of all types (fire trucks, police cars, utility trucks, ambulances and more). Climb into the cabs, ride the aerial ladder and meet the people who operate these fascinating vehicles. This unique, free, kid-friendly event is co-sponsored by the South Hadley Electric Department.

For more information visit www.butterybrookpark.org.