SPRINGFIELD – With schools out for the summer and kiddos ready to play in the sun, Willamalane Park and Recreation District is hosting an annual play day for kiddos and their families. Willamalane’s Children’s Celebration is this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Island Park in Springfield.
Over 75 vendors will be spread throughout the park. Live performances will take place throughout the day, including David’s Magic Show, Wren Entertainment DJ, Music with Miss Jen, and West African Drumming.
According to Whitney Hoshaw, marketing and communications manager at Willamalane, community organizations, local businesses, and non-profits will be at the event to share activities and resources for families with children. There is also a pet section for pet parents, featuring vendors like Feline Good Cat Rescue and the petting zoo, Scavone’s Outpost.
In addition to the zoo, Hoshaw said folks can also expect five inflatable games, two obstacle courses, face painting, a mermaid, and a hands-on experience with different instruments. There will also be an expanded touch-a-truck section, with vehicles from the Springfield Police Department, Springfield Eugene Fire Department, LTD, Rexius, Army National Guard, and Sanipac.
Admission to the event is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item. In 2024, over 2,000 pounds of food were collected. Food donations will benefit the food pantry at Willamalane Adult Activity Center. Pet food donations will also be accepted.
Hoshaw emphasized that the event will be held rain or shine.
“If rain stays in the forecast, it’s still going to be a great time,” Hoshaw said. “We had nearly half an inch of rain in 2022 at Children’s Celebration, and it was still fun.”
Presenters and most activities are along wheelchair-accessible concrete paths throughout the park. However, some areas have compact and uneven surfaces, including transitions from concrete to grass. Accessible parking is available off the West B Street entrance.
Island Park parking lot is sure to fill up fast, but folks can secure street parking near the West B Street entrance of the park, or at Booth Kelly, with an accessible shuttle running every 15 minutes. Bike racks are available to store bikes, but locks are not provided.
People are also encouraged to ride the public bus to the Springfield Station with a free, event-specific benefit code and walk to the park. The code LTD-2HHM-AU2X can be redeemed in the UMO Mobility App and is only valid on June 27.
