Family nights planned in Memorial Park

BY REGGE EPISALE
Correspondent

Do you wish there was something special you could do with your family that was close to home, cost little to nothing, and would make special summertime memories?

This year there is.

On the third Friday of June, July and August, families are invited to come to Montrose Borough’s Memorial Park to hear live music, bring a picnic or buy some affordable food on-site, and end the evening sitting on a blanket watching an outdoor movie.

This week, June 17, is the first event. Canary Circus, with local musicians Lonnie Griffiths, John Puzo and Ellen Mulligan, will perform at 7 p.m. There will be pizza, popcorn, water and lemonade available for purchase. As night falls, the children’s movie, “Toy Story,” will be shown on a large outdoor screen.

The other two events are scheduled for July 15 and August 19, weather permitting. There will be no rain dates. Families should bring their own blankets or chairs. All food and drink will be served on paper products. There will be a recycling barrel for those who bring plastic bottles or aluminum cans.

Family Night at the Park is the brain child of Cynthia Goodman, a retired teacher from Choconut, who regularly uses the walking trail at the park. “The park is an underused space for family activity,” she says.

She approached Craig Reimel, a member of the Montrose Borough Council and of the Lion’s Club with her idea and he reached out to other members of the community.

Craig Owens, the Technical Director at Montrose Area High School got involved, and friends agreed to help make it happen.

Memorial Park offers more than a Family Night three times in the summer. The borough council and Lions Club have worked to make many improvements and additions over the past several years.

There is a walking-trail around the perimeter, skateboard ramps, flushing bathrooms, a pavilion for picnics, a softball field, and large and small climbing gyms and swings for children.

There is also water and electric available which makes the park perfect for picnics and family gatherings.

This year park improvement plans include upgrading the basketball court and council is discussing creating a pickle-ball court.

Pickle-ball is played much like tennis except with whiffle balls and paddles similar to racket-ball paddles. It is becoming popular nation-wide and a class is taught at the Montrose Adult School. Residents have expressed an interest in having a place to play.

There is parking all around the park. Bring blankets or chairs, and come to the park at 7 p.m., on June 17 for an evening of play, music, and a movie. Everyone is invited.