Play Day in Takoma Park: Outdoor Event for the Whole Family
Giant chess, connect four, corn hole, tennis tournament, and much more. That’s just some of the games featured at the sixth annual Play Day on September 27 in Takoma Park- an event that celebrates fun, outdoor play and encourage residents to exercise.
Pat Rumbaugh, founder of Takoma Plays– a group in Takoma Park that organizers play days throughout the year- said there is something for everyone, from zumba, making mud pies, and bingo to play dress up, yoga, and live music.
“It just feels so good to share this with people,” Rumbaugh said.
This year the free family event will take place at the Takoma Park Middle School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Besides volunteers, Rumbaugh and the Takoma Plays have received support from the Takoma Park Recreation Department.
“The young kids will ask me ‘When are we going to have another play day. They already associate me with it,'” Rumbaugh said.
Rumbaugh is very enthusiastic when it comes to play. She believes that playing, whether indoor or outdoor, helps increase your physical well being.It also helps release the stress of a busy work day.
“Basically, play day is meant for people of all ages to come out and play because you don’t see children and adults playing outside as much,” she said.
The “Play Lady,” as some call her in the neighborhood, said the group also organizers Winter and Fall play days and Summer pool parties.
Rumbaugh said Takoma Plays was formed in 2009 when she contacted the nonprofit KaBOOM!, another organization that promotes play for all children. The Takoma Park resident wanted to find out what she could do to promote play in her neighborhood, and after brainstorming with a few residents the Takoma Plays was founded.
KaBOOM! has also named the City of Takoma Park a Playful City.
“Just seen what a decline in play has done inspire me to do this,” she said.
During the event, all volunteers will be assigned to different activities to help attendees have a “fun free play experience.”
This year she has got a lot of emails from high school age residents asking to volunteer. Something that makes the Takoma Park resident hopeful that children will begin play more again.
“Part of the problem is that people are so overscheduled; they don’t even have time to go out and play,” she added.
For now, Rumbaugh continues her work on making sure everyone gets to enjoy fun activities, and wishes that people “Have a playful day.”
Good to know:
What: Sixth Annual Play Day.
When: September 27.
Where: Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring.
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, with lots of games and live bands.
Aline thanks for writing about the Sixth Annual Play Day. The weather was superb, the volunteers were fantastic, the performers engaged people to sing, dance and play. The entire event was a blast from start to finish. Let me know if you would like to hear more about Play Day. Go play!