SANTA PAULA : Free Fun in Parks Draws Youngsters

In Santa Paula, children play in a free, supervised program in the parks.

Each weekday until Aug. 8, 30 to 50 youngsters in grades one through six show up between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the four playgrounds that offer the summer program.

“We want something free for the kids. I feel it’s a program we need. If a family has five or six kids they can’t afford much,” said Mel Howery, Recreation Department director.

Howery raises the money for salaries and supplies from service clubs, businesses and individuals. “People send in 10 or 15 bucks,” he said. This year he has already raised $3,500 and needs another $500. The $4,000 is matched by the City Council.

Hugo Llamas has been coming to Las Piedras Park programs for three years. “I get out of the house and play basketball and baseball,” he said.

At Obregon Park, Dustin Steiner said he comes because “a lot of my friends are down here and the people running it are nice.”

The program also is offered at Teague Park and Thelma B. Bedell Elementary School.

Two adults staff each playground, and three specialists in games, sports and arts and crafts rotate to each site. They also organize a once-a-week citywide activity such as kite day, country fair day or an arts festival. Prizes, donated by local businesses, are awarded to the children.

“It’s not day care but more of an opportunity for positive activities in the neighborhood instead of being bored and finding ways to keep busy by getting in trouble,” said Ed Mount, recreation supervisor.