Fun in the Park ‘To Go’

Summer isn’t canceled … it just looks a little different. So, if you’re looking for that little something different for the kids to do, motor over to the Fun in the Park “To Go” program run by by the City of Albany Parks & Recreation Department.

This is the 15^th year for the program. In past Fun in the Park events, families would gather in Albany parks to find picnic tables full of crafting supplies and Parks & Rec staff on hand to organize games and other activities. But because of Covid-19 restrictions on the number of participants allowed to safely gather, Parks & Rec had to come up with another approach: A drive-thru event.

The idea is simple: Parents take a lap through the loop in Bryant Park to pick up that week’s cool activity kit for kids — handed out by Parks & Rec employees wearing masks — to enjoy at their favorite park or at home. The crafting kits are for kids ages 2 to 12.

The free event is planned through the next six Wednesday’s until Aug. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon. Parents are asked to register on the Parks & Rec website by the Monday prior to each week’s event so staff can get an accurate count of how many kits will be needed to be assembled. Kids can also put on their investigator’s cap and play an “I Spy” game. Upon entering the park, they will be given a page with different items on it that they can hunt for as they cruise around.

The first events were held July 8 and July 15, and so far hundreds of kids have participated, so make sure to reserve your spot and register today! Dates left are July 22 and 29, and August 5, 12 and 19.

Sponsors for the program include Coastal, Kona Ice, Kristi Crawford Photography, Oregon Freeze Dry, Xtreme Grafx, Oregon AFSCME, Home Depot, Les Schwab, Linn-Co Federal Credit Union and Red Canoe Credit Union.