Seattle Parks & Recreation’s 4th annual Big Day of Play is this Saturday, August 27th, at Magnuson Park. It’s the signature event of the Healthy Parks, Healthy You initiative, designed by Parks and Public Health-Seattle & King County to promote physical activity and wellness programs that serve our diverse community.
Big Day of Play is for everyone, regardless of age, and it’s free.
Mayor McGinn will make opening comments at 10:30am on Saturday morning, and Big Day of Play will roll through 4pm.
The list of activities over the course of day is astounding. For tots, there’s an outdoor play gum, toddler, tot sports, and gymnastics. Kids can enjoy bouncy castles, obstacles courses, and a challenge course. There are 4-H displays, fitness testing, and a Just Dance competition for teens. Adults can try out Zumba, aerobics, or tee off at a golf driving station. There’s fly casting, ballroom dance, and more for our seniors.
Plus, Big Day of Play hosts a 5k fun run and a 1k “tot trot” for the little ones. There’s a basketball tournament, and NBA star Jamal Crawford will make an appearance. You can also bring your dog and give Fido a turn on the dog agility course or learn how to paddleboard, sail a catamaran, and canoe or kayak. Other aquatic adventures include tours of the Harbor Patrol Fire Boat, a lifeguarded swim beach and activities for the younger set in the wading pool. With a predicted temperature near 80 degrees, this may be one of the best summer days yet.
Attendees of all ages can earn credit by participating in activities, and credits can be redeemed at the PCC for booth for food. Mobile food vendors like Kaosami Thai and Maximus Minimus will offer up food for purchase.
There’s entertainment, too. Performers on the main stage include children’s rock band Recess Monkey, vocal trio EriAm Sisters (from America’s Got Talent) and the Seattle Storm Dance Troupe, comprised of sixteen local youth who dance at home Storm games.
Be a part of our Healthy Parks, Healthy You Initiative and join us at Magnuson Park on Saturday!
The event will be waste-free, with recycling and composting stations throughout the grounds. Additionally, transportation will be provided from three of our community centers. To take advantage of the shuttle to the event, call High Point Community Center (206-684-7422), Rainier Community Center (206-386-1919), or Yesler Community Center (206-386-1245) to arrange a ride.
Big Day of Play further assists in meeting Parks’ mission by successfully partnering with a number of organizations. Beyond the obvious pairing with Public Health – Seattle King County with the Healthy Parks, Healthy You Initiative, Parks is working with the American Heart Association, Austin Foundation, The Mountaineers, Outdoors For All, Seattle Tilth, FrisbeeDisc NW, Arena Sports, and Sail Sand Point in order to provide the activities, learning experiences, and other components of the event.
Parks is grateful for the support of sponsors, as this a non-budgeted event that relies solely on volunteers and the generosity of companies and organizations like PCC Natural Markets, ARC, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Next Step Physical Therapy, ING Direct, Go Girl Go Women’s Foundation, and the media support from King 5, KJR, Seattle Times, Adelante Media Group, and Seattle’s Child.