Tyrone’s Park Avenue Playground Program is well under way and will continue through August 26.
The program is sponsored by Tyrone Borough and features arts, crafts and special guests.
Just yesterday, the children were treated to hot air balloons, and The Daily Herald photographed many of the children with their balloons.
Recently, participating children have been treated to Fourth of July activities and a Mexican day.
Coming up later this week, Mayor Patricia Stoner is scheduled to appear on Friday. The children will be treated to ice cream sundaes that same day.
Next Monday, the playground will have a Central Pennsylvania Humane Society presentation. The following Monday, July 25, the children will be paid a visit by a clown, and there will be face painting.
The program’s director Bree Gurkovich said the week of July 25 is “role models week.” She said the visits are planned by AMED on July 26, the Altoona Curve mascot, Steamer on July 27 and members of The Pennsylvania National Guard on July 28.
The Park Avenue Playground will also host Tyrone Police Chief Joseph Beachem on August 15. He is scheduled to give a presentation on the D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program.
A visit from “The Hookies” is scheduled on August 18 when members of one of Tyrone’s two fire stations will be at the park.
The program runs from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday
Copies of the entire schedule for the Park Avenue Playground Program are available at the municipal building on Logan Avenue. Scheduled events and guests are subject to change.
Gurekovich is in her third year in charge of the program and is assisted by Apryle Hoover.
A brochure on the program provided some guidelines for those participating in it. It said the programs are designed for elementary-age children. Children too young to be left on his or her own must be accompanied by an adult.
The rules also noted children’s behavior is the responsibility of their parent or guardian. Other rules include no tobacco or intoxicating substances in the playground area and no obscene language.
Refuse should be disposed in designated containers and no glass allowed in the playground. Program officials also ask that equipment not be abused. Playground workers have jurisdiction over the playground area.
For more information on the program, contact Tyrone Borough at 684-1330.
