By Heather Wood

“Lions, and Tigers, and Bears! Oh My!” The staff of Kernersville Parks & Recreation invite you to follow the yellow brick road, and will guide you off to see the wizard—the wonderful Wizard of Oz! Dance to Somewhere over the Rainbow with Dad and Dorothy at this year’s Father Daughter Dance at First Christian Church in Kernersville on Saturday, February 4 from 6-8:30 p.m. There will be light refreshments, dancing, photography, and special bonding moments galore! Discover all the details and purchase tickets at www.KVParks.com. We know there is no place like home, but you definitely do not want to miss out on this special event!

Kernersville Parks & Recreation has many ongoing winter projects currently taking place in our parks. Last Spring, Shelter’s #2 and #3 in Fourth of July Park began the renovation process, including an updated look and functionality! It is now Shelter #1’s turn, and has since been demolished. Construction will begin soon to match the fresh updates of the other shelters in the park. You will also notice a new look with the water fountains. They will soon include three bowls—one for visitors, one for increased accessibility, and one for dogs!

You have probably noticed in Harmon Park that the current restroom building is getting an upgrade as well. The new restrooms at Harmon Park will have two regular restrooms and one family-sized restroom. The project is said to be completed by Spring Folly.    

A new Dog Park at the Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex is underway and will include irrigation, dog fountains, a leash post, and benches. The new Dog Park’s location within the Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex will be where the current overflow parking field is located.  

As we all know, preparing summer plans for your kids can be a hectic and challenging time for any caregiver. Many will choose to send their children to a summer camp to enjoy happy, healthy connections with their peers. As you research the numerous possibilities for your child, be sure to enroll them in a camp that will meet their interests with programs and activities that they will enjoy while they are spending their day away from home.

Kernersville Parks & Recreation offers a recreational camp that features creative group activities and opportunities for individual growth. Our goals are simple: to provide positive experiences for the development of leisure interests, good sportsmanship, promote self-esteem, respect for others, teamwork, self-discipline, and most importantly—FUN! Each week, campers will enjoy visiting our local parks, swimming, participating in service projects, and a weekly field trip!

This camp is specifically designed for youth ages 6-12. All Summer Camp counselors are employed by the Town of Kernersville and are 18 years of age or older. Each counselor has been drug-tested, passed a thorough background check, and has completed camp safety training—including behavior management and CPR/First Aid Certifications. Our counselor-to-camper ratio is 1:10. On field trip days, we will have additional staff and volunteers to keep campers safe and happy!

This year, camp will run for eight weeks. Campers will meet from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 12 – August 11. There will be an extended-care option from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. The program will meet at Kernersville Parks & Recreation, located at 125 E. Bodenhamer Street.

Registration will begin March 13. Be sure to enroll your child before March 31 so the $50 registration fee will be waived! For more details and a list of field trips, visit our website at www.KVParks.com.

Limited scholarship assistance for low-to-moderate income families will be available. Please get in touch with Recreation Program Supervisor, Brandi Lineberry, at blineberry@toknc.com or 336-992-0806 for further details. We are extremely thankful to partner with the Declan Donoghue Foundation in order to be able to keep kids PLAYING all summer. Learn more about this beautiful family and the Foundation’s mission at www.DeclansFoundation.org.

Lastly, save the date for this year’s Honeybee Festival, brought to you by Cone Health, for Saturday, August 19 in Fourth of July Park. We will begin accepting vendor registrations on March 1. Visit www.KVHoneybee.com for details and to learn how to register.