Thanks for the well-wishes last week. My son Drew and I got to experience together the lovely cycle of fever to cough to pneumonia diagnosis to antibiotics to the part I kept telling him was coming, that miraculous feeling when energy returns to your body. We’re not 100%, but we’re at least at 80.
I stopped into the Senior Staff meeting at Recreation and Parks before I got sick (promise guys), in their little conference room down a maze of halls that is constructed in part out of modular units that were supposed to be temporary. But who’s complaining? They don’t have time for that.
I got to hear the quick succession of reports. Participation data, project updates, staffing, upcoming events. Each was covered as succinctly as humanly possible, but was peppered with knowing nods, supportive smiles, and a healthy dose of humor sprinkled in - repeatedly.
They are the Department of Fun, and their slogan is “We Make Life Better,” so I shouldn’t have been surprised to be thrilled. But for a County Executive who is utterly and completely devoted to the belief that our defining challenge as humans is to live in harmony and health, not only with each other, but also with the natural world that created us, the work of this department is always exciting.
Sports leagues, classes, and activities are always happening at our parks, but it’s during the summer when a whole other layer gets added, for kids, and I want us all to appreciate its enormity.
This summer, 14,558 children converged on our parks and facilities for summer camp (10,764) or child care (3,794). That’s a really big operation.
To make it possible, the team hired 150 seasonal staff, mostly of high school and college age. Many return each summer, not just for the money, but also for the fun.
They do Teens on the Go at three locations, Quiet Waters Camps, dance, golf, tennis, fencing, STEM, Musical Theater, and Abrakadoodle Arts.
And there are some of the best camps anywhere for kids with special needs, like the one at Mayo Beach Park.
Actually, you should just go to this link for the 40-page Summer 2024 guide, with all the happy pictures. It’s got stuff for adults, too.
I’m feeling pretty good about what we deliver at Rec and Parks. And I’m glad that kids get some attention in that spending. But overall, our county, our state, and our nation invest far less than most industrialized countries in families with young children. The most glaring omission is what families need most - childcare.
But I understand that our upcoming Childcare Summit is attracting support from across the state and will deliver an ambitious legislative agenda that could actually have an impact. If you’re interested, click here for the details.
By the time you read this, my wife, my boys, and I will be in Norway. We’re visiting Erin’s Norwegian exchange student from High School, fjords, a Viking festival, a soccer game, and a very high standard of investment in public places.
Hold down the fort while I’m gone.
Until next week …