Pop-up events offer yearly fun at different parks

Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation (WCCPR) is determined to provide the public with recreational opportunities.

One of many ways they do this throughout the year is through pop-up events that are part of the organization’s Parks Mobile Rec Unit.

“We visit every single park throughout the year,” said Tiffany Fletcher, WCCPR Assistant Programs Director. “We bring out games and toys and free food…the goal is to bring our parks and our community together.”

WCCPR owns and operates several parks, including College Park, Community Park, Harmon Park, Heritage Park, Melbourne Park, Fairfield Park, Massie Park, Lykins Park, and Wiseman Park.

Having started in 2021, the idea of the Parks Mobile Rec Unit found its beginning amidst discussions.

“We had a company from Pennsylvania come in and help us with a parks’ master plan…we went to all of our parks with pizza and popsicles and asked people to give us feedback about our parks and what we could improve,” Fletcher added. “One of the things that came out of that survey was that they thought that only a couple of our parks got any attention.”

Thus, plans were implemented by WCCPR to address such concerns through the Parks Mobile Rec Unit.

Ever since, several activities have been featured.

For example, “Bubble Bonanza” – allowing youth an opportunity to mix chemicals and create bubbles that can be used for entertainment – was showcased at one of the events in 2023.

Playground equipment, such as bounce houses, has also been utilized.

Individuals who have volunteered their time have engaged in activities such as face painting or providing washable tattoos for kids.

While activities take place in the spring and summer, July is particularly special because it is National Parks and Recreation Month.

“Our pop-ups in July are a little different…we try to do those under a theme,” Fletcher added.

This year, with the Summer Olympics ceremony set to take place in Paris, the staff got into the spirit.

An Olympic games-themed event incorporated relay races, team-building events, and more.

As the years have passed and reputation has grown, word continues to be spread through social media using Facebook, Instagram, and other means.

Fletcher noted that a new population can be expected for each event.

“Whoever shows up is who we’re going to play with,” she said. “Sometimes, that’s only the kids from that park. Sometimes, we have families that come to every single [event] no matter what the park is.”

While entertaining, the events reap meaningful rewards, with Fletcher acknowledging that seeing families multiple times and forming a bonding experience is encouraging.

“Getting to see those people engage with us and know that we’re a big reason that they come out to these parks, and play, and have a good time is really rewarding,” she said.

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