By NATASHA BRENNEMAN
Staff writer
The Oil City-based summer playground program will begin its 38th year today, and organizers are expecting record turnouts this year.
“Last year we serviced about 700 kids, and this year I’m anticipating over 800,” program leader Evan Basham said.
Basham and more than a dozen staff members from the Oil City YWCA will continue the summertime tradition at six area playgrounds and parks weekdays for the next five weeks.
Staff will be stationed at the Harriott Avenue, Hasson Heights, Innis Street and Seventh Street Elementary playgrounds, all in Oil City, Morrison Park in Seneca and the Rouseville playground. The facilities will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, until July 14.
“We have kids come from all over, and that’s great,” said Basham.
CPR and first aid qualified staff members are present at the playgrounds, and children can play games, make crafts and participate in sports contests at no cost.
Children are welcome to come and go as they please and are welcome to visit any of the participating playgrounds any day or any time they are available, said Basham.
The YWCA hosts the non-profit program, and it is funded entirely by the Samuel Justus Charitable Trust, which gives money to “projects related to youth, disabled, community arts, conservation and ecology, or sports and camps.”
Children are encouraged to take a drink bottle with them.
“We don’t always have access to water, so it’s best if the kids bring a drink,” said Basham.
The City of Oil City and Oil City School District are also involved in the program.
