If you are following Bluffton Parks on Facebook, you will have noticed some exciting improvements happening at Lion’s Park this week. All of the pea gravel under the playground equipment was removed and replaced with engineered wood fibar. Not only will this improve the fall zones and look of the park, but it will also be more accessible. Our maintenance crew was fortunate enough to have help from the water department to clear the stone and even hand shovel under the equipment. A new sit-n-spin toy was installed thanks to a donation from REMC’s operation round-up, and we can’t wait for kids to try it. The Parks Department would like to thank Steve and Yvette Huggins for their generous gift and Walmart for the grant that made this improvement possible.
We had such a fun week of programs that have kept us very busy. We were amazed to have 1,980 come through the city gym in a little over an hour during our Autumn Adventure. Sam, the Sneaky Turkey, was on the loose for only 2 ½ days before 19-month-old Laken Gaiser, daughter of Kaylee Gaiser, found him on the red bridge during their walk on the Greenway. Be on the lookout for him again next week for a chance to win a prize.
Thursday morning was a special tot event, and children were able to visit the Police Department for a tour. Drop-in tot time is every Tuesday and Thursday from 11-noon until March to give children a warm, safe place to play over the winter months. Open Gym for school-aged kids to enjoy snacks while staying for supervised play has started. Feel free to drop off your kids from 3:30-6 p.m. every Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday until mid-March. A waiver will need a parent’s signature on the first day the child attends.
Next Tuesday is the Beyblade Spin-Off. Bring your kids to the Bluffton City Gym on Nov. 8 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Kids ages 6 and up are invited to bring their best Beyblade and ripcords. We will provide the Beyblade Arenas. You must pre-register for this FREE event by emailing events@blufftonindiana.gov or calling 824-6069.
This month’s Theater Thursday will be held on Nov. 17, starting at 10 am. Join us at the Wells County Public library to watch the film “Show Me the Father.” Snacks are provided during this free event.
We still have a few openings for children ages 7 and up at Hue Can Paint. This month’s painting on canvas will be of a gingerbread house to get us in the mood for the holiday season. Lessons will be held on the 2nd floor of City Hall (128 E Market) from 6-7:45 p.m. Your kids will enjoy the step-by-step instructions from a local artist to paint a one-of-a-kind creation to take home. Not only will they leave with beautiful artwork, but they will also feel accomplished as they master the painting techniques. The cost is only $15 per person and includes all supplies and instructions. To register, call 824-6069 or e-mail events@blufftonindiana.gov; space is limited to the first 12 paid participants.
We will print out the winter coloring contest pages sometime next week and drop them off at the schools. The Giant Stocking Coloring Contest will run from Nov. 16 – Dec. 14. Every child who enters will be placed in a drawing to win a huge 4-foot stocking full of toys and candy. To print additional coloring pages, visit https://tinyurl.com/mr2zcmut.
If you happen to be in the state park on Saturday morning, be sure to cheer on the 120+ runners at our WOOF Trail Run.
Have a great week!
