The city of Gresham celebrated the return of its annual summer program for kids, which had been put on hiatus during the height of the pandemic, with a special event featuring frozen treats and firefighters.

After two summers of providing only lunches and take-home activity kits at local parks, city staff brought back all the in-person fun during the first day of Summer Kids in the Park (SKIP) Monday afternoon, July 27.

"The opportunity for this type of in-person engagement and recreation is something the pandemic robbed us of," said Joe Walsh, Parks and Recreation manager. "We're glad to finally be able to provide these opportunities that youth need back to our community."

The seven-week, free recreation program runs through Aug. 12, and is open to all kids up to age 18. In partnership with the YMCA and Play Grow Learn, SKIP runs two hours every weekday at Main City Park, Red Sunset Park, and Nadaka Nature Park. Free lunches are served, and no registration is needed.

The kickoff at Main City Park had extra fun for the nearly 40 kids who swung by. There were arts and crafts like bead bracelets; soccer and parachute games; stickers from Gresham Police cadets; and the chance to tour a Gresham Fire Engine and spray the house out over Johnson Creek. To cap it all off, Kona Ice had free treats.

For more information, visit GreshamOregon.gov/SKIP or call 503-618-2525.

SKIP schedule:

Red Sunset Park, 2403 N.E. Red Sunset Drive

Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Main City Park, 219 S. Main Ave.

Monday-Friday, noon to 2 p.m.

Lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Nadaka Nature Park, 17615 N.E. Glisan St.

Monday-Friday, noon to 2 p.m.

Lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m.