The City of Bradford, in collaboration with several community partners, announced the launch of Summer in the Park — a free summer series for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
The program aims to provide a summer of adventure, education and community engagements.
Registration for a maximum of 60 participants is required and closes June 1. Organizers said there has been “an already overwhelming response from families eager to participate.”
The series is set to commence June 12, taking place 10 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday — excluding July 3 — until July 31 at Callahan Park. The program will conclude with a family picnic to cap off a summer filled with exploration.
Children attending the “Summer in the Park” program must be accompanied by an adult, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. Activities will include reading sessions and creative crafts hosted by the Bradford Area Public Library and Kiwanis Club of Bradford, encouraging literacy and artistic expression. Additionally, the Bradford YMCA will lead energizing fitness activities, promoting physical well-being and active play.
Sara Andrews, interim executive director of the Office of Economic and Community Development representing the Third Ward Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP) and the City of Bradford, said, “The improvement work recently completed in Callahan Park by the city provides a welcoming place for all, but especially for the children in our community. It has been the goal of the Third Ward Neighborhood Partnership Program and the City of Bradford to bring summer activities back for children in Callahan Park. We are grateful for the financial and organizational support from the NPP’s three funding partners, American Refining Group, Northwest Bank and Zippo Manufacturing Co., for providing financial support for improvements in the park and the summer children’s program.
“Additionally,” Andrews said, “the summer activity program would not be possible without the efforts of the City of Bradford Parks Department, United Way of the Bradford Area, Kiwanis Club, YMCA, Bradford Area Public Library, and Bradford Area School District, who have done a tremendous job of putting the children’s summer activity program together. We are very much looking forward to seeing children in the park this summer!”
Bonnie Leposa with the Bradford Area Public Library shared her enthusiasm for the program’s literary component. “I’m very excited about the books we will be sharing with the children in the ‘Summer in the Park’ program. They are the kind of books that take you on an adventure — maybe you’re a pirate or you’re fighting monsters or maybe you’re brave and doing something no one else has done before. The books will spark the children’s imaginations and take them to different worlds. And isn’t that the best part of childhood?”
To keep attendees refreshed and energized, snacks will be provided by the NPP and UWBA. An ice cream truck, generously supported by Reverend Rob of Bradford Area Alliance Church, will make weekly appearances, adding an extra layer of delight. Kiwanis Club of Bradford will offer, from an assortment, a free book for children to take home at the end of each session.
For more information on the local United Way, contact the office at (814) 368-6181 or email Executive Director Sarah Lonzi at sarah.lonzi@uwbanews.org.
