These artistic kiddies showed off their chalky hands after drawing beautiful designs for Manchester Playground's Sidewalk Chalk Contest.
It’s been just one week, but things are running as smooth as ever after our transition from the elementary school over to the high school. Playgrounders and staff alike are loving our new digs, including a home base in the cafeteria, which affords views down into the gymnasium, as well as out onto the turf field.
Week one began on Monday, June 24, when nearly 250 kiddies arrived on Opening Day! Our first event of the summer was on Wednesday, June 27 with the Sidewalk Chalk Contest. The contest was held in the empty upper parking lot of the high school, which offered plenty of space for many unique designs and drawings. Kiddies were divided into age groups: 4-7 year olds, 8-10 year olds, and 11 and up. Winners included Trevor Laspesa, James Castogna, Carly Johnson, James Donohoe, Chase and Charlie Manuel, Mia DeCarvalho, Jessie Philpott, Tess Holch, Laila Mears, Robbie McLaughlin, Brody Duncan and Jared Croft. Each were presented with a coupon for Free Post. Great job everyone!
On Thursday, June 27, we had our first Pizza Night. A total of 72 kids signed up for some yummy pizza from Riverview in Ipswich. Wokkus picked up the order and barely had enough trunk space for the 50 boxes, amounting to 400 slices.
Wrapping up the week was the first of our weekly field days on Friday, June 28, out on the high school turf field. Kiddies rotated through stations for games and activities, such as old stand-bys, duck duck water and steal the bacon, as well as new events like three-way soccer. It was a huge success and we’re looking forward to the new tradition of Field Day Fridays every week!
Kicking off week three, we began with the World Cup Soccer tournament on Monday, July 8. Teams of two competed in a large group, which was eventually whittled down to just two teams. The winners of this final face-off will get their names etched on the World Cup trophy. Monday night was also the annual Playground Memorial Cup Street Hockey tournament. Teams were created featuring a mix of both younger and older kiddies to maintain as level a playing field as possible. Participants vyed for the famous Memorial Cup, upon which the names of past winners have been etched forever!
Tuesday, July 9 marked our annual trip to Sunnyside Bowling and Putnam Pantry. This field trip was a long one, taking place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kiddies bowled two strings, followed by lunch at Obear Park. After, the group headed over to Putnam Pantry for delicious ice cream sundaes, complete with a smorgasbord of toppings.
World famous Hat Day was slated for Wednesday, July 10 at the high school. Participants designed and created their own hats at home. They then paraded them by other playgrounders and the staff judges for a chance to win special prizes! Playground made a triumphant return to the Museum of Science in Boston on Thursday, July 11. This trip, a long-ago annual tradition, is a great opportunity for kids to tour one of the best science museums in the country.
Nick’s Roast Beef night was hosted on Thursday night, July 11. Kiddies line up buffet-style and receive their roast beef sandwich; a choice of toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, special sauce, and more; as well as French fries and onion rings — all for just $8!
Rounding out the week will be Tuck’s Point Field Day on Friday, July 12. Please note that pick up and drop off will be at Tuck’s Point, as there will be no regular Playground running at the high school. Along with games in the field behind the parking lot, kiddies will have designated swimming periods, crabbing off the docks as well as arts and crafts in the Chowder House.
Be sure to check Playground’s website for more information on this year’s events and trips.
We currently have an astonishing 270 kiddies enrolled, but there’s always room for more! We will accept registrations online throughout the summer, so don’t miss out on all the fun and memories we’ll be making in 2019.
