Children and their caregivers are invited to play dates in the parks on Tuesdays all summer long.
Previously a program of the Family Resource Center, Community Play Dates is starting its fourth year. This year is the first year as a stand-alone program.
The program is a weekly “community play date” for parents, grandparents, and child-care
providers to attend with their young children. It is intended to be a fun and relaxed outing for both child and caregiver, said program coordinator Kelli Morgan.
In an effort to reach as many families as possible, Community Play Dates organizers distributed summer schedules through the school system and the Family Resource Center. Dave Brandvold, MAPS Curriculum Director and staff from the Family Resource Center were instrumental with distribution.
“As a parent of 4 little boys, I know that it’s easy to get swept away by the business of life. If I don’t schedule time to just play and relax with my kids, it might not happen,” Morgan said. “I don’t want summer
to slip away too fast. With a weekly “Play-Date” on our schedule, we’re sure to end the summer with lots of happy memories of parks and picnics and friends.”
Some special days are planned for the play dates program this summer. Laurie Jacoby (a teacher with MAPS Head Start Program) has planned a Nature Exploration Day for June 21 at 10 a.m. on Prairie River Trails. She will be teaching the children about the joys of nature by educating them about the birds of Wisconsin. She will show them how birds build a nest while the children build their own nests. Other special events include a special beach day, a Teddy Bear Picnic and a day for Bubble Fun.
The Community Play Dates meet at 10 a.m. every Tuesday at a different park in Merrill. Participants are invited to bring a picnic and stay for lunch.
For more information, email [email protected].