By Cathy Bonner
The Parsons Advocate
The weather cooperated and the sun provided the perfect back drop for pre-schoolers of Tucker Valley Elementary School to celebrate the end of the school year with a big party at the Parsons Splash Park.
Pre-schoolers from Mrs.Jay and Mrs. Teresa’s class, Mrs. Ray and Mrs. Lisa’s class, and Mrs. Kasie and Mrs. Renee’s classes thoroughly enjoyed the waterslide and other ways of getting thoroughly wet. The kindergarden classes from Tucker Valley and Davis Thomas will be holding their “Beach Party” in the coming days.
The brain child of Jan Michael, she called the city to rent the park for the day six years ago to allow her students to enjoy their year end party. Kiddie pools were used, along with the fire departments providing the “splash”, that first year. Since then the splash park has been build and “Beach Party” has become an annual event. The Park Board provides the hot dogs and drinks with park employees Ronnie White, Richard Stone, and Dave Guy serving as grill masters.
Mrs. Jay said, “ It’ s just wonderful! It is a great day. The kids love it, and the parents love it too.”
Mrs Kasie agreed and added ,“It is a final celebration to the friendships they’ve made this year.”
Mayor, Dorothy Judy, and City Manager, Jason Myers, were both on hand to help with the event.
Mayor Dorothy said, “We are so fortunate to have had these two older gentlemen and their wives, who thought enough of the City of Parsons, to leave us this inheritance. We are truly blessed.”
Jason acknowledged, “It’s all about the kids. Any event we that we can host, we want to. We want this park facility used.”
Myers also announced that a new feature to the park will be added this fall. A synthetic ice skating rink is being installed and hoped to be opened by October or November. The unique feature of this rink is that it does not require ice and can, therefore, be used year round. You will be required to bring your own skates. And best of all, like the splash park, it will be free for public use.