Kids to the Parks program kicks off 6th year with Longview Beach trip

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2022

 

Jackson County Kids to the Parks program kicks off 6th year with trip to Longview Lake Beach

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – This month, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. proudly welcomes back his signature summer program – “Kids to the Parks.” The program provides an opportunity for youth in the urban core to explore and enjoy the Jackson County Parks + Rec system, the third-largest county parks system in the country. The first trip is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7 at Longview Lake Beach from 1-3 p.m. with kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs Wagner Unit.

“Since 2016, I have made it a priority to introduce kids from inner city neighborhoods, just like where I grew up, to a new world of adventure that’s right in their backyard,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Kids to the Parks eliminates the barrier to access our parks and as a result, we have had a positive impact in the lives of hundreds of youth over the years. I will never forget one of many experiences with the children, one of whom asked on a trip to Longview Lake Beach if there were sharks in the water! For the record, there are no sharks at the swimming beach, but such curiosity allows our parks staff to combine education with fun. It is my hope that every child walks away with an unforgettable experience that brings them back to the parks with their family and friends.”

In its 6th programmatic year, Kids to the Parks will host 17 exciting excursions to county parks from June 7 to July 21. The program will reach over 200 children from eight participating organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City (Independence, Wagner and Hawthorne Units), Crittenton Children’s Center, Guadalupe Center, Hillcrest Community Center, Mattie Rhodes Center and Whatsoever Community Center.

A Boys and Girls Club participant shared how the program has had a positive impact on her life during a video featured in the 2021 State of the County Address.

“It makes me feel like I deserve to be a part of something like this,” said 12-year-old Zoe. “Thank you for just caring enough to help out with this for kids who might not have ever experienced this without the program.”

“I think that’s what Boys and Girls Clubs is about, trying to find more opportunities for our kids to have lifelong experiences,” said Tyrone Moore Independence Unit Director Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. “I think the first trip we took was the beach. The kids had a ball running out into the water and swimming and just enjoying that moment. Most of them had never ever been to a beach. Definitely all of them probably had never been to that particular beach.”

Each community agency can choose two of the following activities during their visit:

  • A “Day on a Boat” at Lake Jacomo (includes a pontoon boat ride and the chance to take out a canoe, kayak or pedal boat)    
  • “Pirate Cruise” on Longview Lake
  • “Historic Tour” of Missouri Town or Fort Osage National Historic Landmark
  • A “Day on a Beach” at Longview Lake Beach
  • A “Sand Cinema Movie Night” at Longview Lake Beach

Participants will also take a trip to the Frank White, Jr. Softball Complex for Jackson County’s Golden Glove Baseball Camp, a free one-day event scheduled in July.

 

 

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