Summer Fun Awaits: KCSD Launches Eight-Week Summer Recreation Program from June 17-August 9, 2024

By Emily Wright

LOCK HAVEN – With the commencement of summer, kids in Clinton County can look forward to exciting outdoor activities that will be held at local parks thanks to the Keystone Central School District (KCSD) Summer Recreation Program. This year’s program runs for eight weeks, and children aged 5 to 12 are invited to participate in various activities across multiple parks.

Beginning on Monday, June 17, this year’s Summer Recreation Program will run until Friday, August 9, offering daily activities from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. The program provides a safe, structured environment where kids can make the most of their summer break and get to hang out with friends. The program is designed to provide activities that children within the 5-12 age range will enjoy.

The Summer Recreation Program is open to all children, regardless of whether they reside within the KCSD boundaries or attend schools in the district. This inclusivity allows more families to benefit from the program’s fun and engaging activities.

Activities will be spread across ten different parks, ensuring accessibility for families throughout Clinton County. In addition to Hammermill Park, the Tiger Den, and Piper-Harmon in Lock Haven, the program will also be hosted at parks in the Renovo area, Castanea, Wayne Township, and Mill Hall.

In Renovo, kids can head to the 16th Street Playground, the Memorial Park in North Bend, and the South Renovo Memorial Park. The Woolrich Community Park and the municipal park located behind the Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Company on Linnwood Drive will host the program this year, and those wanting to participate in Castanea or Mill Hall should head to Harvey’s Run Park or the Mill Hall Community Park.

While inclement weather might put a damper on some outdoor plans, the Summer Recreation Program is designed to be resilient. Nine of the ten parks have structures that allow activities to continue despite rainfall. In cases where extreme weather or unsafe conditions necessitate a closure, updates will be posted on the KCSD Facebook page. Hayley Orndorf, the Park Coordinator, along with the individual park supervisors, will make decisions on closures to ensure the safety of all participants.

For planning purposes, the program will take a brief pause on Thursday, July 4th, and Friday, July 5th, in observance of the holiday. Regular activities will resume the following Monday.

The success of the Summer Recreation Program is bolstered by generous community support. Donations from local businesses and organizations play a crucial role in keeping the program running smoothly. This year, Clinton County and various municipalities contributed to the program, and donations have also been received from the Sons and Daughters of Italy, Weis Markets, and Wal-Mart. These contributions ensure that the program remains free and accessible to all children.

An enthusiastic team of park supervisors is ready to facilitate a summer full of learning and fun. These dedicated individuals are spread across the program’s extensive network of parks, ensuring that every location is well-managed and that the children are engaged in fun activities. Summer Recreation Program Park Supervisors for this year are:

– Harvey’s Run Park in Castanea: Kristie Dion and Mercedes Shultz
– Woolrich Community Park: Maille Fowler and Jack Grieco
– Mill Hall Community Park: Riley Kaluzny and Alyssa Kline
– Piper-Harmon: Benjamin Lucas and Garrison Lucas
– Hammermill: Bryley Miller and Sydney Cooper
– Tiger Den: Sabrina Mandracchia and Rachel Strunk
– Wayne Township Municipal Park/Playground: Sydney Redmon and Brooklyn Bechdel
– Renovo area parks: Alexis Lowery and Dezlyn Halpate (South Renovo Memorial Park), Lillian Sporny and Cheyanne Casper (16th Street Park)
– Memorial Park in North Bend: Julie Green and Amanda Kanouff
– If a park supervisor is absent, the following floaters will step in for the day: Dylan Carlson, Maddie Sutliff, and Madeline Jones.

For parents wanting to stay up-to-date on the latest news, including any weather-related closures or last-minute announcements, the KCSD Facebook page will serve as a go-to resource. Parents may also contact Park Coordinator Hayley Orndorf or Adult and Community Education Supervisor Becky Conklin via phone or email.

The KCSD Summer Recreation Program is more than just a way to keep kids busy during the summer months—it’s a community effort that ensures every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy their break in a safe environment. Local families are encouraged to take advantage of this fantastic program, which stands out as a testament to the community spirit and commitment to youth development in Clinton County.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the first day of the Summer Recreation Program on Monday, June 17, 2024, and get ready for a season of outdoor fun, friends, and engaging activities.

For more detailed information on the Summer Recreation Program or to ask questions, parents can visit the KCSD Facebook page or contact Hayley Orndorf or Becky Conklin directly.

Hayley Orndorf: 570-367-9568 or horndorf@kcsd.k12.pa.us
Becky Conklin: 570-893-4900 ext. 4301 or rconklin@kcsd.us
KCSD Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/keystonecentral/