As Parks Superintendent Summer Chambers explained, 2017 was the program’s first year. “I firmly believed if we could offer a free program for kids they would appreciate the park more,” she said. In that first year, about ten kids participated. 

Now, Chambers said, the attendance averages about 40. When we visited, about 22 were present. They were finishing up in the Coliseum. Then they lined up and took the short curvy walk around the loop of the Fair Park, arriving at the pool at about 10:15. Because of its being a cloudy day the children were all cautioned to get out of the pool if the volunteers told them to, in case of lightning. 

Chambers said she is grateful for the volunteers and pool lifeguards who have helped with the program over the years, including, from the beginning, Connie Jefferson, Brittany Jefferson whose presence Chambers called a blessing, adding “All the kids they have brought, from the oldest granddaughter who is 16 [who] came the first year to the youngest who is three currently and all in between have been so fun to be around.” 

 This year Mayra Garcia and Baili Butler also help. They are also lifeguards at the park pool. About them, Chambers said, “At the beginning of the summer we offered this to the guards to get extra hours this summer, and these two jumped right on it. Not only have they helped me tremendously, the kids absolutely adore them!” 

The program, which begins in June and ends in mid-July every year, meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Kids are included in educational sessions put on by Arkansas Game and Fish, Hempstead County Extension Office, Pafford EMS, Hope Fire Department and Hope Police Department. They have also taken part in arts and crafts, relay races, basketball, kickball and other outside pursuits. Thursdays they are taken to the pool.  

Chambers said, “Our main goal has always been getting these kids outside, moving and away from electronics just for a little bit.” 

Planning is already underway for next year, Chambers said.