Pepin Park Activities

Pepin Park on 4th Street and 7th Avenue is host to many exciting events throughout the summer months, including Pepin Park Activities, which runs June 3 through July 26.

Pepin Park Activities is a summer program funded entirely by donation from local sources. These generous donations go toward various arts and crafts prepared by Pepin Park staff, and constructed by young children 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m Monday through Friday.

Crafts always cost $1, and examples of projects to come include tie dye, scratch art and masks, as well as plaster painting, which is scheduled every Wednesday throughout the summer.

Darla Welch, Pepin Park Activities supervisor, said that plaster is one of the most popular crafts. This project brings in many kids.

“Last week we got 48,” said Welch.

Other Pepin Park employees think the program is important because it promotes creativity and interaction with peers along with older kids.

After crafts are completed, participants are encouraged to start or join in a game. Assorted balls, bats and toys are available for the children to use.

“I think it’s a good idea for students to get out and get active for a while,” said Jacinta Finneman, a park employee.

Tuesday afternoon, a game of baseball was started and it got pretty lively with Pepin Park employees versus crafters. There were no winners or losers at the end of the game, just high spirits.

The program is not only fun for participating children, but also for employees.

“I enjoy having so many crafts to do and being able to see how artistic some kids are,” said employee Jaden Korb.

Finneman also expressed how much fun she has at work.

“It’s a great way to meet some new people and to interact with various age groups,” she said.

Crafts don’t stop at Pepin Park. The Play Mobile travels to Patterson, Rotary, Optimist, and Elks parks throughout the summer. These visits only occur in the morning sessions, but have the same crafts available as afternoon sessions at Pepin Park.

Upcoming events at Pepin Park begin with track and field day June 18. This event will have many traditional track and field events, but also some favorites altered to best fit the participating children. For example, the softball throw takes over the shot put, and a Frisbee is substituted as a discus.

Pepin Park will celebrate its birthday on July 1, and there will be a fiesta-themed party. Crafts will be made, games played, and cake and ice cream served.

Bear Paw Credit Union Youth Day is July 10. Vendors will set up booths across the park, and there will be a craft.

Carnival day will be the last day of Pepin Park Activities, July 26, with an assortment of games, food and prizes.

A detailed schedule of summer events is available at the Havre Community Pool and Pepin Park.