In its third year, the Kickoff to Summer event, coordinated by the Salem Parks Department and Healthy Dent County, has become a welcome way for residents to start the season. This year, however, the event, held Saturday, not only kicked off these sweltering months but also a new and improved city park.
Arriving at the park, one is welcomed by a bold, new sign at its entrance, indicative of what is to come. Continuing through the park around the renovated pool and past the playgrounds and newly added splash pad it becomes apparent that the area is hardly recognizable from just a year ago.
One of the most improved areas within the park is the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pool which was rededicated Saturday during the kickoff, 28 years after its initial dedication to the park's matriarch. During a ceremony Saturday, parks directory Tye Lydon began by thanking all responsible for the pool’s improvement and was followed by alderwoman Kim Shelton, who read the proclamation in place of mayor Brad Nash.
Members of the Craig family present were Alice Lou Craig’s brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Jerry, Gary, and Jann Craig. Jerry spoke in honor of his sister-in-law. Salem City Administrator Ray Walden, Jann Craig, Jerry Craig, Gary Craig, Lydon and Shelton officially cut the ribbon and opened the pool that’s new features such as slides, a Zip ‘N’, climbing wall, diving board, and children’s area became favorites among attendees taking advantage of the day’s free admission.
For those not wishing to take advantage of the refreshing waters of the pool, the kickoff featured many alternatives, despite showers earlier that morning. The playgrounds offered a day of play to children of all abilities, the new splash pad no doubt made a splash at the event, Underland Face Painting whipped up some unique creations, and the dunk tank gave one the chance to dunk members of the community. Around noon, when hunger pangs set in, attendees did not have to go far to find food, courtesy of the vendors present; from pulled pork to funnel cakes, there were options for everyone.
For the third year, the Parks Department and Healthy Dent County planned a successful event to get members of the community together and showcase improvements to the park.
The Kickoff to Summer “brings the community together… people can come out and enjoy what the Salem Parks and Rec Department has to offer,” says Taylor Relford of Healthy Dent County.
From the pool, play areas, activities, and food, the Kickoff to Summer on June 2 truly offered something for the entire family.
