Posted 1:09 am Monday, June 06, 2011
Summer Playground Program Returns To Help
By JACQUE HILBURN-SIMMONS
Staff Writer
Nutritious food, enriching activities and nurturing role models await Tyler youths who need a little support during their summer break from school.
Staff Writer
Nutritious food, enriching activities and nurturing role models await Tyler youths who need a little support during their summer break from school.
The 61st annual Summer Playground Program kicks off Tuesday, and legions of caring adults are preparing to extend a helping hand to children ages 6 to 12.
This free program, which lasts through Aug. 12, is a staple for generations of Tyler children, beloved by parents and those who keep it going.
This free program, which lasts through Aug. 12, is a staple for generations of Tyler children, beloved by parents and those who keep it going.
“There are so many reasons for doing this program,” communications director Susan Guthrie said. “First, it keeps our kids active, engaged in learning and out of trouble. It also keeps them healthy and physically fit.”
The Playground Program is planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, Parks and Recreation officials said.
Participating locations include City Park, 200 W. Queen St.; P.T. Cole Park, 1001 S. Vine St.; Emmett Scott Park, 1710 N. Confederate Ave.; Pollard Park, 710 E. Amherst St.; and Glass Recreation Center, 501 W. 32nd St.
This year's program features a colorful twist: art education.
Participating locations include City Park, 200 W. Queen St.; P.T. Cole Park, 1001 S. Vine St.; Emmett Scott Park, 1710 N. Confederate Ave.; Pollard Park, 710 E. Amherst St.; and Glass Recreation Center, 501 W. 32nd St.
This year's program features a colorful twist: art education.
Representatives of the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition plan to teach youths about the diverse offerings found in liberal arts, including dance, drumming and drawing, organizers said.
Instructors expect to visit once a week and share their talents with the children.
“We want to inspire the playground program participants and encourage their talents in the arts,” Main Street director Beverly Abell said. “We hope these sessions will increase their appreciation for the arts but perhaps also encourage some budding artists.”
Instructors expect to visit once a week and share their talents with the children.
“We want to inspire the playground program participants and encourage their talents in the arts,” Main Street director Beverly Abell said. “We hope these sessions will increase their appreciation for the arts but perhaps also encourage some budding artists.”
The arts outreach program is funded with a grant from AT&T Texas.
Candice Gast is the company's director of external outreach.
“I was born and raised in Tyler and East Texas, and I grew up visiting P.T. Cole Park and Bergfeld Park,” she said. “I benefited from a lot of the free programs that were given to kids who didn't have a lot.”
Those positive childhood memories left a lasting impression, she said.
Candice Gast is the company's director of external outreach.
“I was born and raised in Tyler and East Texas, and I grew up visiting P.T. Cole Park and Bergfeld Park,” she said. “I benefited from a lot of the free programs that were given to kids who didn't have a lot.”
Those positive childhood memories left a lasting impression, she said.
“I feel so fortunate to work for a company like AT&T, because they provide me with resources to give back to the community I live and work in,” Ms. Gast
said. “Education and economic development are really important to our company.
This is a good example of meeting both goals in the community.”
Other activities planned for the program include guest presenters and instructors, as well as organized group activities that include athletics, free play, crafts and games.
said. “Education and economic development are really important to our company.
This is a good example of meeting both goals in the community.”
Other activities planned for the program include guest presenters and instructors, as well as organized group activities that include athletics, free play, crafts and games.
Activities are designed to teach safety tips, life skills and the importance of community service, said Glass Recreation Center manager Ann Santana, now in her fourth year.
She credited a dedicated staff — highlighting Corneille Hutchierson, who has devoted efforts for 17 years — with helping pull everything together.
“This is a great program,” she said. “Many kids don’t know how to play outside anymore. They spend so much time indoors with the television and computer. This lets them be outside, experiencing nature and making new friends.”
It’s an amazing thing to watch youths enjoy the simple pleasures of summer — a picnic in the shade, chatting with friends, she said.
“It makes me feel great,” Ms. Santana said. “For some of these kids, this is their summer vacation. We may be the only bright spot they have in their lives.”
Efforts to feed the children are offered in conjunction with the Federal Free Lunch Program, offered through the East Texas Food Bank.
“Summer vacation is such an exciting time for kids,” Food Bank Executive Director Dennis Cullinane said, noting that a break in the school year should not mean a break from good nutrition.
Karolyn Davis, also with the Food Bank, agreed, saying there is a growing need for the summertime food services.
“We have 48 sites throughout East Texas we are going to serve this year,” she said. “Last year, we had 38 sites, which served more than 118,000 meals. We are increasing the number of sites and along with that, increasing the number of meals we plan to serve this summer.”
Without the assistance and efforts of so many, there would be plenty of missed opportunities to make a difference in a child’s life, organizers said.
“This program is all about the kids and helping make sure they have a good childhood,” Ms. Santana said.
Details about this and all city programs is available online at www.cityoftyler.org. nformation about the Food Bank’s Summer Food Service program can be seen at www.easttexasfoodbank.org.
She credited a dedicated staff — highlighting Corneille Hutchierson, who has devoted efforts for 17 years — with helping pull everything together.
“This is a great program,” she said. “Many kids don’t know how to play outside anymore. They spend so much time indoors with the television and computer. This lets them be outside, experiencing nature and making new friends.”
It’s an amazing thing to watch youths enjoy the simple pleasures of summer — a picnic in the shade, chatting with friends, she said.
“It makes me feel great,” Ms. Santana said. “For some of these kids, this is their summer vacation. We may be the only bright spot they have in their lives.”
Efforts to feed the children are offered in conjunction with the Federal Free Lunch Program, offered through the East Texas Food Bank.
“Summer vacation is such an exciting time for kids,” Food Bank Executive Director Dennis Cullinane said, noting that a break in the school year should not mean a break from good nutrition.
Karolyn Davis, also with the Food Bank, agreed, saying there is a growing need for the summertime food services.
“We have 48 sites throughout East Texas we are going to serve this year,” she said. “Last year, we had 38 sites, which served more than 118,000 meals. We are increasing the number of sites and along with that, increasing the number of meals we plan to serve this summer.”
Without the assistance and efforts of so many, there would be plenty of missed opportunities to make a difference in a child’s life, organizers said.
“This program is all about the kids and helping make sure they have a good childhood,” Ms. Santana said.
Details about this and all city programs is available online at www.cityoftyler.org. nformation about the Food Bank’s Summer Food Service program can be seen at www.easttexasfoodbank.org.
