Families invited to Come Out and Play

Can Yuma come out and play this weekend?

Families are going to be hearing that a lot this Saturday, when Yuma Parks and Recreation hosts its popular Day for Kids: Come Out and Play event. The free community event promises loads of fun with swimming, games, sports activities and Yuma's largest Slip-n-Slide.

“This event has grown every year, and since the first time Parks and Recreation hosted the event, it has more than quadrupled in participation,” said Debbie Wendt, recreation superintendent. “We started with approximately 300 people at the first Come Out and Play event to over 1,500 people at last year's event.”

Come Out and Play is set for 1 to 5:45 p.m. at the Valley Aquatic Center and Sunrise Optimist Park, 4381 W. 18th St. in Yuma.

“Come Out and Play is all about play, being active and spending time with family and friends,” Wendt said. “I hope our event will be the catalyst to increase play in families. Being active and spending time together outside makes for a healthier lifestyle. Get away from the TV and video games — and play together.”

The past three years, the event has been jointly hosted by The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club.

Community service groups and youth sports organizations will also be on hand to share information with kids and parents.

In addition to activities, the event will have raffles throughout the day, including a 2013 Family Season Swim Pass valued at more than $200.

“In today's economy, things are tight and it's difficult for families to spend very much on entertainment, so they have the same opportunities to spend quality time together like they used to,” Wendt said. “Events like Come Out and Play and the annual Children's Festival of the Arts in November give families the opportunity to spend an entire day or an evening together without having to worry about how much it will cost.”

For more information about Come Out and Play, call 373-5243.

Features editor Darin Fenger can be reached at dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.