Summer Fun in Bridgeton
By Albert B. Kelly
At least for me, the temperatures over the last month or so
haven’t exactly inspired images of summer- maybe just a few hints here and
there- but between these warming hints and the page on the calendar, it’s
enough to get me looking ahead and thinking about some summer fun.
If that’s the case for you, then you don’t necessarily need
to look all that far because right here in Bridgeton, we have plenty going on
in this summer of 2018. Even as we get locked in on the Phillies, who I should
say are off to a surprisingly strong start as of this writing, Bridgeton will
be hosting its annual baseball tournament.
Starting on Wednesday, May 16th, you can come to
Alden Field in Bridgeton City Park and see some good regional baseball. Aside
from the game itself, Friday evening will be dollar hot dog night while
Saturday (May 19th) will be fireworks night. On Sunday, May 20th
while the Phillies are in St. Louis playing the Cardinals, the Phillie Phantic
will be the special guest at Alden Field. The tournament will finish up on
Monday, May 21st with the Championship round. Come out and see some
great baseball as we get into the fat part of May.
But there’s more than baseball going on. Things really kick
into high gear with the Memorial Day weekend and the opening of the Splash
Park. On that same holiday weekend, canoe and kayak rentals will start for the
season and visitors to City Park can enjoy Sunset Lake and Mary Elmer Lake all
summer long. A perfect ending to a day on the water might include some barbeque
and our picnic areas in City Park provide just the setting. City Park also has
mobile food vendors.
If you’re considering the Cohanzick Zoo, then look no
further than “Tiger Talks” which takes place each day at 2:00pm. Visitors can
meet our Bengal tigers Mahesha and Rishi and learn about their natural
habitats, tendencies, and the ways in which staff care for these special
animals. For something more, July will feature the start of Zoo Camp.
Beginning Monday, July 9th with morning and
afternoon sessions for 5 and 6 year olds, Zoo Camp will be held on successive
Monday’s in July with sessions on July 16th for ages 7 and 8, July
23rd for ages 9-11, and ending July 30th for youth 12-14
years old. The main focus is always the animals, but those attending the camp
can enjoy games, crafts, snacks, and more. Parents can call (856) 453-1658 for
more information on sign ups and registration fees.
July is also the month for the Sunday Night Concert Series.
Concerts will be held at the downtown Riverfront Plaza beginning July 9th and
continuing through until August 12th. Each evening’s show will start
at 7:00pm and those planning on attending should bring their own lawn chair for
seating. The music varies from oldies and Jazz to folk and contemporary.
Regardless of the genre, it’s a fun way to top off a summer weekend.
For the parents among us, the Splash Park will feature
“Whacky Wednesdays” in July into August. On those Wednesday’s admission to the
Splash Park, which is normally $3.00, will be free beginning with the 1:00pm
session. Beyond that, the Splash Park is available to be reserved for private
birthday parties and similar affairs- for more information, call (856) 453-1675.
July is the month that features the weekly “Out to Lunch”
program at the Cohanzick Zoo. Held each Monday beginning at 12 noon, children
attending the series can look forward to a wonderful time filled with high
energy, fun and laughter. Children have the opportunity to participate in these
programs, making it memorable for everyone. Attendees should bring a bagged
lunch and be ready to enjoy great performances that might include anything from
puppet shows and magicians, to zoo presentations and everything in between.
After the program, guests can enjoy the animals at the zoo, a few rounds of
miniature golf, or beating the heat at the splash park.
No matter how the summer shapes up, City Park is there for
our residents as well as our visitors from around the region. Whether it’s
grabbing a quick bite from mobile food vendors or enjoying our waterways, venues,
playing fields, courts, or trails; Bridgeton City Park is a destination that’s
easy, accessible, local, and affordable…and we’re always glad to see you.