Wichita Play Day! is returning from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at O.J. Watson Park, 3022 S. McLean Boulevard. The popular event celebrates the importance of family fun and outdoors activities.
The free event includes many fun activities including races, face-painting, parachute games, horseshoes, baseball throw, sidewalk chalk, paddle boats and mini-golf. New activities this year include Human Foosball and SNAG Golf. Give-a-ways and entertainment will round out this afternoon of family fun. Concessions will be sold.
The amount of time a child spends outside is half what it was 20 years ago, according to a study from American Academy of Pediatrics.
“As part of Park & Recreation’s ongoing health and wellness efforts, we want to change that by making play a priority in our community”, said Troy Houtman, Director of Park & Recreation. “The lives of both kids and adults have become more hectic and over-scheduled and the use of play reduces the amount of stress and anxiety. By having park events like the Wichita Play Day, we are reminding people that it is important for families to be involved in fun outdoor activities that keep them moving and Park & Recreation wants to be the premier playmakers to promote health, well-being and fun.”
Wichita Park and Recreation officials are seeking event volunteers to help with the event. To volunteer from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, please contact Sara Rasmussen at 303-8023 srasmussen@wichita.gov. For more information on Wichita Play Day!, please contact the Department of Park and Recreation at 268-4361 or Watson Park at 529-9940.
