Parents, children and safety officials joined together to
celebrate the 10th annual Kids at the Park to help promote safety
and nutrition for local children.
The San Benito County Health Department and the Safe Kids
Coalition, along with 32 educational organizations, gathered at
Dunne Park on Wednesday to get the word out to the community about
available services in the area.
Parents, children and safety officials joined together to celebrate the 10th annual Kids at the Park to help promote safety and nutrition for local children.
The San Benito County Health Department and the Safe Kids Coalition, along with 32 educational organizations, gathered at Dunne Park on Wednesday to get the word out to the community about available services in the area.
“Kids in the Park is a free event that taught kids how to be safe and healthy,” said co-chair and master of ceremonies, Sunny Brawley.
Brawley has been involved with the event for two years, and brought her 4-H group to take part in the activities.
“My favorite part was the giant fire truck inflatable slide,” said 9-year-old Michael Moore of the Cienega 4-H Club.
Other attractions and activities included free fingerprinting for all children along with an updated photograph in case of a kidnapping, three jumphouses, a fire truck, an ambulance, the D.A.R.E. car and the Tooth Fairy.
Other organizations that took part in this year’s event included the Pacific Grove Fire Department “Fire Simulation” trailer, animal control and the Hollister Fire and Police departments.
Hundreds of children disregarded the park’s playground and flocked to nutrition booths, safety demonstrations and information tables, according to organizers.
As children attended each booth, they received a stamp or sticker to attach to their “Visitation Checklist.” After receiving 10 or more stickers or stamps, the children submitted their list to be entered into a raffle.
Prizes included bouncing balls, hoola hoops, toys, scooters and bikes.
“Safety is the focus of this event,” Brawley said. “As the kids win a bike or scooter, they will also be given a properly fitted helmet.”
The annual event is geared toward children who are 2 to 11 years old.
“This is my first year and I love it. The kids are so cute,” said volunteer Paige Gardener.
Throughout the event, two children were lost and safely returned.
“This is what it’s really about,” said Gardener, after the second child was safely reunited with her sister.
