FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Time-sensitive material requiring pre-registration
January 30, 2014 –Springfield, MA- Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management is having a party and everyone is invited. On Monday, February 17, 2014, the Parks and Recreation Division will kick off “Fabulous February!,” for its 36th year of winter carnival fun.
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 basketball courts, just outside the Recreation Office. 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 fee, per person , 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. Families can stroll over to the ballfield complex at 11:15 am for Mike Piazza’s high-flying Frisbee dogs. Back by popular demand, these dogs perform amazing feats that you can’t miss. Mike Piazza is the #1, K–9 Frisbee performer in the world. 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.
In addition, Tom Ricardi will fascinate and entertain as he brings his rare birds of prey to Forest Park. There are two chances to see these beautiful creatures under the tent located by the Recreation Office. The first show begins at 12:15 pm, and the second at 1:00 pm. Before you can catch your breath, Conrad McIntire’s Magical Wizardry magic show will dazzle you at 2:00 pm. Conrad will challenge you with his sleight of hand tricks that beg the question, “will you believe your eyes…or your mind?,” 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 conduct a wild “Fab. Feb.!” challenge at the ECOS building in Forest Park from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The program is free but has limited space. Pre-registration is required.
During this vacation week, Cyr Arena is operating with expanded public skating hours. The rink will hold public skating Monday through Friday, from 12:00 noon until 1:50 p.m. There are public skating hours Friday and Saturday from 7:00-8:50 pm, and Sunday from 2:00 until 3:50 pm. There is a fee of $3.00 for children, 16-years of age and under, and $5.00 for adults for public skating. Skate rentals are available for a $4.00 fee. Call Cyr Arena at 787-6438 for details.
The activities continue on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 when Brad Miller of Next Level Adventures comes back for an adrenalin-rush day of nonstop action in our “Mission Impossible” events. 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 much more. The mission begins at 9:30 am at the Porter Lake Skatehouse in Forest Park, and ends at 11:30 am. There is an afternoon session that begins at 12:00 noon and runs until 2:00 pm. Lunch will be provided for those attending BOTH sessions.
On Thursday, February 21, 2013, there’s a pool, pizza, ice cream party at Central High School on Roosevelt Avenue. Children, ages 5 – 15 years, must pre-register for this “Fab Feb Fav!” The fun begins with swimming in the pool from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon. A pizza party follows in the cafeteria with 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 be held 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 and for additional information on any of our programs, please visit our website at: www.springfieldparks.com. No calls will be answered on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 17, 2014. Any cancellation information due to inclement weather will be available at 787-6434 or 787-6435.