In the midst of a historic summer heat wave, in which many were hunkered down in air-conditioned rooms, an important youth program soldiered on.
On Monday, July 8, with temperatures creeping toward that dreaded triple digit, a group of kids were smiling and laughing in Main City Park. There were plenty of activities to do in the relative coolness of the shelter.
Some crafted beaded bracelets, while others painted rocks and adorned them with googly eyes.
“Dad do you like it,” asked one beaming boy who proudly held up his rock.
The kids had access to coloring books, and a big container filled with a clingy sand that allowed for the construction of intricate creations.
“We are going to build a sandman,” called out one girl.
There was water for anyone who became overheated, as well as “dirt in a cup” as a sweet treat. Then, because of the heat, the program was shortened with a to-go sack lunch, providing an important nutritious meal for children who didn’t have the option of guaranteed school-based food during summer break.
“Part of being a successful city is having things to do for the community,” said Emon Ghassemi, youth services manager. “We know summer is an important time to keep kids active and busy.”
The 11th year of Summer Kids in the Park has been a hit halfway through the season. The Gresham-led program for youths runs weekly Monday through Thursday, June 24 through Aug. 16. Activities go from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and lunch is served noon to 12:30 p.m. Free lunch, courtesy the Gresham-Barlow School District’s summer program, is available for kids up to age 18.
“All of this gets kids outside and being active instead of just playing video games at home all summer,” Ghassemi said.
This year part of the program changed. Rather than be held at multiple parks on the same day, it is focused on location — Main City Park on Monday, Red Sunset Park on Tuesday, Neighbors Park at Rockwood Village Apartments on Wednesday, and Bella Vista Park on Thursday.
So far the experiment has gone swimmingly. By limiting SKIP to one location each day, it allows for more volunteer counselors from YMCA to watch over and entertain the kids. That means more individual attention for those feeling a bit shy, and a wider array of things to do — from playing sports in the grass to arts and crafts under the shelter.
The focused location also allowed the team to extend hours when the heat wasn’t so stifling, running an hour longer than in previous years.
“We were told there weren’t enough workers at each park to truly support SKIP,” Ghassemi said. “With these changes it should allow the team to have everything they need.”
As always, parents, guardians and older siblings are welcome to stay at the park during SKIP. Kids younger than age 8 shouldn’t be left alone without supervision, and if older guests get hungry they can purchase a meal for $4.25.
With the successful changes this year, more could come in future iterations. The city wants to expand to more days/locations. Also heading into Rockwood Village, a housing complex that has struggled with crime and 911 calls, has been an intentional effort by SKIP.
“What better way to utilize that area, with hundreds of kids living in the complex,” Ghassemi said. “With all the issues it has been having, we are showing what can be done with love, care and compassion.”
“We want this program to be a model for work we can do at other complexes in the city,” he added.
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