Parks board adds children's activities

Celina children will have a slew of activities to do this summer as the city's park and recreation department is adding a dance and fine arts program, the parks board learned Wednesday.

In June and July, children can participate in twelve activities - including creating action figures and comic strips; papermaking and basic photography techniques - at the entertainment tent on Lake Shore Drive.

Parents can also join in during family activity nights at Eastview number three shelter house.

Director Jeff Fortkamp said Arts Place, Portland, Ind., will host the activities near Grand Lake at no cost to Celina. He said the organization contacted him about the initiative.

Each class, which lasts between one and two-and-a-half hours, costs $5 and includes the necessary supplies. Or, all twelve classes can be attended for $20.

Fortkamp, as well as committee members Angie King and Jeff Laramore, believe the program is a great deal and will give children many recreation opportunities.

The children's classes will be held mostly in the afternoon, while the family activities will be in the evenings. Fortkamp did not know if there are age requirements for the activities, but he pointed out that Arts Place employees teachers who will lead the classes.

Fortkamp also said the annual free-swim night at Bryson Pool will include a free movie as well on July 16. A giant projector screen will be erected near the pool, though the movie has not yet been selected yet. Free popcorn will be provided.

Fortkamp also said his department is making repairs at Bryson Pool, including a $16,100 refinishing of the slide. Polyshell, a resurfacing company in Illinois that works at major resorts, such as Kings Island and Cedar Point, should be done with their work by May 8. The current tan-colored slide will become seafoam - a blueish-green - once completed. The resurfacing comes with a 10-year-warranty.

Other maintenance to be completed at the park include new paint, pump repairs and caulk-work.

Fortkamp also said:

• Participation for little league is declining, just as it is nationally. He did not provide any specific numbers.

• A new healthy family program has been added. Information will be given to families to help them make wise choices on snack selections, exercise and check ups. All information will be given to all participants in any program through the Celina parks and recreation department.

• Tickets are still available for Celina Day at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on April 20. If dressed in a Red's jersey, children can participate on the parade in the infield.