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Springfield parks to mark city's 375 years in style

Date: 2/15/2011

Feb. 16, 2011

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

SPRINGFIELD — The Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Department is observing the city's 375th anniversary of its founding with a wide variety of activities during the upcoming school vacation week.

Sandy Frederico of the department explained to Reminder Publications that this week of activities is the first large-scale event in a year of celebration. She noted her department is working with The Spirit of Springfield on a variety of events throughout the year.

She said that many of the offerings are either free or have a nominal fee. Some require pre-registration and parents may do so by calling 787-6434. Residents may also call that number to make sure there are no weather-related cancellations.

Events happening on Feb. 21:

• Old-fashioned hot dog roast/sleigh rides in Forest Park.

All activities, weather permitting, will take place adjacent to the zoo near the lawn bowling green 11a.m. to 3 p.m. Roast hot dogs over an open fire will be on sale for $1. Popcorn and beverages will be available at the snack bar for $1 each. The roast begins at noon. Residents can enjoy Forest Park while touring it from a horse-drawn sleigh (conditions permitting) or hay wagon. Cost is $2 per person for a hayride.

• "Take A Minute to Win It Fabulous February Challenge" with Brad Miller of Next Level Adventures.

Designed for children ages 7 and older, this activity will test skills and thrill levels in a challenge course. The clock will be ticking, as children complete the challenges. The fun begins at 10 a.m. on the Forest Park ball fields and ends at 3 p.m. This program is free. but requires pre-registration. Please call 787-6435 to pre-register.

• Crafts for Kids for children ages 5 to 12.

Children will be able to make terrific crafts in the Senior Center in Forest Park at 11 a.m.

• Magic show.

Magician Ed Popielarczyk will keep audiences under his spell during this sleight of hand show. Event starts at noon under the tent by the Senior Center in Forest Park, and ends at 1 p.m.

• Pie-eating contest.

Hungry contestants are invited to gather at 1 p.m. in the Senior Center in Forest Park.

Note: In case of inclement weather, the above programs, except the magic show, will be presented Feb. 23.

Events happening on Feb. 22:

• Mission impossible.

Children ages 7 to 15 years old will be challenged to navigate through the wilderness on the grounds of Camp SECO, which is located just off Trafton Road in Forest Park. The mission, should the children accept it, will take place 10 a.m. through noon, with Brad Miller of Next Level Adventures leading the way and preparing the children for the afternoon challenge. The clock will be ticking, as secrets, skills and surprises comprise this adventurous mission. This free adventure opportunity will be offered in two parts. The afternoon session runs from 1 to 3 p.m., with a hot dog roast provided for lunch. Limited space is available and pre-registration for each session a must.

Events happening on Feb. 24:

• Pool, pizza and ice cream party

A "Fab Fav" returns at Central High School on Roosevelt Avenue. The fun begins for children ages 5 to 15 years with swimming from 10:30 a.m. to noon. At noon, participants will have a pizza party, followed by a "make your own" sundae bar.

The program ends at 2 p.m. Cost for the program is $10 (cash only) per person, and is payable on site.

Please note that an adult or legal guardian must accompany children who cannot swim in the pool area. Space is limited and pre-registration required. Proper swimwear is also required.

Other programs include:

• The annual Edward J. Moriarty Memorial Tournament, which will take place at Chestnut Accelerated Middle School gym on Plainfield Street during the vacation week. Come support some of Springfield's finest basketball players in this double-elimination event for boys ages 13 to 14 years. Call the Recreation Office at 787-6435 for a complete schedule.

• Farmers' Market — A bounty of goodies awaits shoppers in Forest Park in the old monkey house building, next to the administration office, on Feb. 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Vendors will have dairy, meats, honey, sweets, produce, maple and even vegan products to choose from.

• There will be free swim nights at Kiley Middle School on Cooley Street, on Feb. 22 and 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On Feb. 23 and 25, there will be open swim at Milton Bradley School on Mulberry Street from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. An adult must accompany children.

• There will be a lifeguard training course offered at the High School of Commerce on Catherine Street. The course runs Feb. 22 to 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Call Stacey at 787-6298.

For more information, log on to www.springfieldparks.com.



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