"It's a good opportunity for families to get together at the park and enjoy the recreational programs the city has to offer," Burbank Recreation Supervisor Carol Mercado said. "I really love seeing all the families having a fun time while they're outdoors enjoying the park."
Renato Patiag, of Burbank, smiled as he watched his grandson, Joshua, quickly swallow his pizza and gulp down his soda once Joshua heard the water balloon toss would soon begin.
"It's a really great event to have," Patiag said. "It doesn't cost anything, and he gets to have a lot of fun here. If he were at home, he would just be sitting around playing video games and watching TV. At least he gets to play outside and meet other kids here."
Dozens of children energetically participated in the free games and activities, including designing spin-art, water balloon tossing, hitting a clown piñata and potato-sack racing.
"The best part was falling down," 9-year-old Adrian Urpina said after finishing the potato-sack race. "I can't believe I lost. I come here a lot and run all the time."
Adrian is one of more than 100 youngsters who attend the Summer Parks Program, a Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services-sponsored drop-in program held at four Burbank sites, which offer recreational activities and free lunches during the summer for youths 18 and younger.
"Some of these kids always come to the park throughout the year, so it's nice to have the families come with them," Pacific Park recreation leader Erika Anderson said. "The kids really look forward to it, especially the animal show. It's a great way for the animals to come to them, since many of the kids don't have the opportunities to see the animals on their own."
