Park & Play

In summer 2009, Anchorage Park and Recreation’s Park and Play program offered no-cost, supervised, drop-in play programs at neighborhood parks.  Children played, learned about the environment, and participated in art projects in a variety of media led by eight local artists. Youth Employment in Parks Recreation Crews worked with artists to provide content-based play opportunities for Anchorage youth.

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  Stephen Blanchett
  June 8 - 12, Jewel Lake Park
  Theme: Water
             
  Stephen is a traditional Yup'ik singer and dancer and a member of the Pamyua performing group. He led participating children in Alaska native song, dance and performance traditions, focusing on natural themes.
  
  

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  Kayla Spaan
  June 15 - 19, Davis Park
  Theme: Trails
             
  Kayla led children in decorating bike helmets, print making and sculpture making with recycled materials.
  
  

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  Jen Jolliff
  

  June 22 - 26, Goose Lake Park
  Theme: Water
             
  In a very popular Art in the Parks program, Jen Jolliff led children in building fabulous sand castles in Goose Lake Park.
  
  
  
  

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  James Riordan
  

  June 29 - July 3, Sunset Park
  Theme: Urban Forest
             
  James led youth in assembling a temporary outdoor library, collecting prints, books, and other artwork made by youth passing through the park. The mobile library made another appearance at the Summer 2009 Festival in the Park.
  

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  Mary Hertert
  July 6 - 10, Jewel Lake Park
  Theme: Urban Forest
             
  Mary taught children to make felt around objects from rocks to twigs to found items along the trail using wool fiber and some cool techniques.
  
  
  

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  Amy Lou Hettinger
  July 13 - 17, Goose Lake Park
  Theme: Trails
  

  
  Musician and educator Amy Lou Hettinger led children in writing songs and making art about trails and forests.
  
  
  
  

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  Carla Diaz Frances
  

  July 20 - 24, Oceanview Park
  Theme: Trails
             
  Carla led children in making their own puppet and planning and presenting a puppet show featuring their surroundings and the natural environment.
  
  
  

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  Erin Pollack & Steph Kese
  July 27 - 31, Davis Park
  Theme: Urban Forest
             
  Erin & Steph led their youth in making casts of their own hands that will be transformed into an art installation in the park. Youth learned to make art with plaster and found materials.