Andy Close
WARREN, Pa. – The Rotary Club of Warren was looking for the perfect way to get back out into the community post-pandemic.
Their inaugural ‘Duck Derby’ at Breeze Point Park was exactly that, taking place on a beautiful Saturday with well over 1,000 ducks sold to benefit the Lacy Park Multi-Sensory Playground.
The playground is currently in ‘Phase 2,’ which includes installing a rubberized surface.
“In the spirit of creating a truly all-inclusive environment and experience, Phase 2 will involve replacing the existing wood fiber surface with a more stable rubberized safety surface that will be more conducive to the needs of those with wheelchairs, with crutches or any other mobility limitations,” said Rotarian Adam Meneo.
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There was face painting, as well as the Heroes Group with sensory crafting and activities, balloons, food vendors and music.
And all of it took place under beautiful, sunny skies.
The idea was the brainchild of Rotarian Brenda Jones.
“It was an idea that I’ve been stewing around with for quite a number of years,” Jones said. “But because of COVID, we were trying to find ways to raise money for the community, and it was hard have anything indoors. We were looking for something to do outside. It was slow to take hold, but once people got a hold of this idea, they said ‘let’s do it.'”
The event was planned with COVID still in mind, but now, with restrictions being lifted, it was even more popular than it otherwise might have been.
A steady flow of visitors came throughout the day, with the biggest crowd gathering around 3 p.m., when the derby itself took place.
“It’s so wonderful,” said Rotary Club of Warren President Vicki Willman. “We couldn’t have picked a better day. The weather is gorgeous, the park is always gorgeous and The Allegheny (River) is cooperating.
Willman estimates she had to number about 2,000 ducks, and that was just one small part of the planning process.
“The City of Warren has been more than gracious with letting us use Breeze Point Pavilion,” she said. “We’ve had more participation than we’ve had in a long time. We’re just so happy that everyone is involved.”
And the Lacy Park project is also one that is very near and dear to her heart.
“Being a mother of three children all with varying disabilities, I only wish we would have had a sensory park available to them when they were younger,” she said. “Now they’re all adults. Parents of kids with disabilities, an all-inclusive park means the world. They’re no different than any other kid. They can swing on the swings even if they’re in a wheelchair, right next to a kid that is able-bodied and has no issues.”
Music was provided by Eric Morelli for nearly two hours leading up to the derby, with Todd Hendricks capturing first and second-place prizes, a kayak from Allegheny Outfitters, as well as a gift certificate to Bent Run Brewing valued at over $100.
Third-place, a month of indoor climbing at the Goat Fort, went to Karen Austin, while Kim Sherry took fourth-place, a gift certificate to Pennwild valued at over $55.
The prizes went to the top four finishing ducks, which can be seen here.
“We hope that we can do this every year,” Jones said.
