Live Music Lessons, Meeting Animals, Field Trips Highlight Successful 2023 Summer Playground Program

WARREN, Pa. – Aside from a tense couple of days in July, the Summer Playground Program saw a lot of sunshine and smiles in 2023.

With renovations complete at Crescent Park, the program was back to three playgrounds in 2023, and with no more pandemic-related restrictions in place, participants were able to go on field trips again. There were 117 registered participants between the three parks, along with nine park leaders (three at each park), according to Program Director Kassie Damcott.

“I truly enjoyed my time as the playground program director, getting to know the nine supervisors and more of the children in our community,” Damcott said in an email to Your Daily Local. “I can’t thank our sponsors enough for making our field trips happen with their generous donations.”

The program ran from June 19 – Aug. 11, and only had to close for five days in that span due to weather and the manhunt for Michael Burham.

Damcott said she asked for some thoughts from participants and here’s what they had to say:

“My favorite parts were going to the fair, ice cream parties, and slip ‘n slide days!” – Scarlet

“There were so many good things this year, I can’t pick just one.” – Jacob

“I enjoyed all of the program. I really liked painting rocks and hiding them in the park.” – Weston

“Going to the fair and hanging out with my friends were my favorite parts. The supervisors were all very nice.” – Emma

“Our favorite parts were going on all the trips and hanging out with our friends.” – Lyric and Jayce

Photos from the summer:

Some of the field trips, not including treks to the C.A.R. Pool every Monday, included:

Chapman Dam, where kids hiked with Environmental Education Specialist Emily, learned about animal life cycles, played Wildlife Olympics, and had a salamander station with Resource Ranger Mike.
Betts Park, where participants had a field day including a cookout, bounce house, slip ‘n slide, yard games, and ice cream.
Warren County Fair, where all participants received free admission to the fair, spending the day eating, playing carnival games, touring the barns and riding rides.
A trip to the Warren Public Library for the Petting Zoo held in July, as well as to check out its new teen space.
Water Days at Beaty Park, where all participants joined together for a day of water games, including a water war with the Warren City Fire Department, a slip ‘n slide, and ice cream.

Playground guests this year included: