Baltimore Bringing The Fun Of Parks To Kids
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- More Baltimore areas pushing for community centers. On Wednesday, a special gift that brings the fun of parks to the kids.
Marcus Washington explains this new plan.
The Fun Wagon is set to return to Baltimore neighborhoods.
The Fun Wagon, first introduced to Baltimore in the late '60s before ending in the early '90s, is a van filled with equipment. It didn't take long for the mayor and kids to put it all to work.
"I wanted to play with the balls. It was better for me because I know how to play basketball better," said Christopher Singletary.
Hula hoops, basketballs soccer balls and footballs along with a lot more equipment will fill the truck that will visit neighborhoods without recreation centers throughout the center.
"We're in competition with the entertainment industry, and we don't have the technology, games. And everybody has a telephone that has music and everything. We're just talking about getting kids outside, being active and healthy," said Ernest Burkeen, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks director.
Burkeen says last year, they brought back the Fun Wagon, but it was literally a wagon attached to a truck. Now they have a new van able to store a lot more equipment.
Walmart joined in by purchasing the van and equipment after Baltimore City Recreation and Parks asked if they would help with a few rec centers.
"We said, 'We think we can one up you. Maybe we'll but a Fun Wagon.' That's what we got to do today, and seeing the joy the kids are experiencing as they opened the Fun Wagon right now and here has just been awesome," said Nina Albert, Walmart director of public affairs and government relations.
The $70,000 donated from Walmart paid for the van, staffing for the van and all the equipment.
The Fun Wagon is currently booked up until October.