We’re having a party and everyone is invited! On Monday, February 18, 2013, the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management will kick off the thirty-fifth year of its annual winter carnival, “Fabulous February!” for an exciting celebration of winter. Forest Park will come alive with a day jam-packed with activities that invite families to spend time together just having fun and relaxing! The traditional hayrides (sleigh rides if conditions permit,) and hot dog roast will take place near the Edward J. Moriarty Senior Center adjacent to the lawn bowling green. The first hayride begins at 11:00 a.m. and the hot dog roast begins at 12:00 noon. Both activities will continue throughout the day until 3:30 p.m. Families can take a scenic hayride through Forest Park for a $2.00 per person fee, and roast their own hot dogs over an open fire for $1.00! There will be a snack bar under the tent with other beverages and popcorn. All snack bar items will be offered for a $1.00 fee per item. The Edward J. Moriarty Senior Center is also the place to be at 10:00 am for a “Pie Eating Contest” hour where children ages 5 -105 years can “munch” their way to victory in this fast-paced competition that always brings a smile to all. Families can stroll over to the ball-field complex at 11:15 am for Mike Piazza’s high-flying Frisbee dogs. Back by popular demand, these dogs perform amazing feats. You can’t miss this amazing show! Mike Piazza is the #1 K–9 Frisbee performer in the world. We have him right here in Forest Park. Mike and his flying high Frisbee dogs have been seen on ESPN, Animal Planet, TV commercials, as well as performances with the NFL, NBA, MLS and Minor League Baseball. Come join us for this high-flying adventure.
In addition, Tom Ricardi will fascinate and entertain as he brings his rare birds of prey to Forest Park. There will be two chances to see these beautiful creatures under the tent by the senior center. The first show begins at 12:15 pm, and the second one begins at 1:00 pm. Before you can catch your breath, Ed Popielarczyk’s Magical Moments magic show will dazzle you at 2:00 pm. Ed will put you under his spell with his sleight of hand tricks in an all-new show that is sure to please even the keenest observers. Children ages 7 – 15 years of age can pre-register for an adventure program with Brad Miller of “Next Level Adventures,” who will be conducting a wild “Fab. Feb.!” challenge on the Forest Park ball-field complex from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The program is free but has limited space. Pre-registration is required.
Cyr Arena is operating with expanded public skating hours. The rink will hold public skating from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. There is a fee for public skating, and skate rentals are available for a $4.00 fee. Please call Cyr Arena at 787-6438 for details.
We’re still going strong on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 when Brad Miller of Next Level Adventures comes back for an adrenaline rush day of nonstop action in our “Mission Impossible” event. Children ages 7 – 15 years must pre-register for this two-session program. Brad and his staff will challenge you to navigate your way through the wilderness, while performing survival techniques, shelter building and MORE! The mission begins at 10:00 am at the Porter Lake Skatehouse in Forest Park. The session ends at 12:00 noon. There is an afternoon session that begins at 1:00 pm. and runs until 3:00 pm Lunch will be provided for those attending BOTH sessions. The clock is ticking so be sure to register right away!
On Thursday, February 21, 2013 we’re having a pool, pizza, ice cream party at Central High School on Roosevelt Avenue. Childern ages 5 – 15 years must pre-register for the “Fab. Feb. Fav!” The fun begins with swimming in the pool from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon. Next we go to the cafeteria for pizza, followed by a make-you-own sundae bar. The program ends at 2:00 pm. Please note that children who cannot swim MUST be accompanied in the pool by an adult, parent or legal guardian. Proper swimwear is required.
The week will also include our “Fabulous February!” Invitational Basketball Tournament. The annual Edward J. Moriarty Memorial Tournament will take place at Chestnut Accelerated Middle School on Plainfield Street. Come support Springfield’s future stars as they compete for the title of “Champions” in this double-elimination event. Call 787-6435 for the complete schedule of games.
For safe skating updates, please call 787-6434 or 787-6461.
The Recreation Division is pleased to continue the tradition of offering city residents winter fun. We hope you can join us. Special thanks to our friends at Mass In Motion, for their sponsorship of some of these programs.
For additional information on any of our programs, please visit our website at: www.springfieldparks.com, or call us. No calls will be answered on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 18, 2013. Any cancellation information due to inclement weather will be available at 787-6434 or 787-6435. See why February is so fabulous in Springfield!