With Lincoln’s summer heat continuing after city pools close, Parks and Recreation is bringing a new way for families to cool off in neighborhood parks. The city’s Fire Hydrant Parties begin Monday, August 10, and will offer free water play, games and other activities at five parks around Lincoln.
Jamie Granquist, Parks Event Coordinator with Lincoln Parks and Recreation, says the events were created to give families another option after pool season ends. “Pools close so soon, and we still typically see hot weather through the beginning of September,” Granquist tells KLIN News.
“So it was to provide families and community members with more opportunities for some cooling and water fun.” Each event will run from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and feature hydrant-connected sprinklers. Families can also take part in games and other activities, with Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Lincoln Police, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities and Lincoln City Libraries among the groups supporting the events.
A Bookmobile will be at some of the events, and Granquist says there will be activities for people who don’t want to get wet. “We have a variety of activities for folks to do,” she said. “So that whatever your vibe is, we’re there to help you out.”
The events will take place at Densmore Park on August 10, UPCO Park on August 14, Arnold Heights Park on August 17, Roberts Park on August 21 and Antelope Park on August 24. Granquist says the addition of the Antelope Park event gives the city an opportunity to bring the program to the center of Lincoln after scheduling the other events across different parts of the city.
“We were trying to make sure we get in all four quadrants of the city,” Granquist said. “And then when you do that, you kind of miss that center of town. And so we wanted to make sure that we got that one as well.” Children must be accompanied by an adult. Appropriate footwear is recommended because the water activities will take place on paved surfaces.
Granquist says families don’t have to get in the water to enjoy the events. “You can certainly get wet if you want to. But if you don’t want to, there’s totally going to be areas of play where, you know, you don’t have to get wet.” She says the goal is to give families a chance to experience their neighborhood parks in a new way.
“Who doesn’t love running through a sprinkler in the summertime, right? Like as a kid,” Granquist said. “And this is big enough that families can run through it all together at the same time, which is going to be a lot of fun.” The events are free and no registration is required. Popsicles will also be available for families as they cool off and enjoy the parks.