Weber State University’s Arts in the Parks series is back for 2024
Photo supplied, Weber State University
A performer entertains children at a previous year's iteration of Arts in the Parks, a summer program offered by Weber State University.OGDEN — Weber State University’s popular Arts in the Parks series is back again this summer and already underway.
Having started this week at Liberty Park, Alexis Kiedaisch — marketing and outreach manager for the Department of Visual Art & Design and Shaw Gallery at WSU — told the Standard-Examiner that there will be great activities for youths this year.
“Kids and parents can expect really fun, easy-to-do art activities that they can also do at home,” she said. “We try to make them really simple and with craft materials you can find anywhere so you can recreate them at home as well.”
Arts in the Parks founder Kathryn MacKay told the Standard-Examiner that arts and crafts aren’t the only thing people should expect this year.
“We’ve also got performers,” she said. “We’ve got a storyteller, we’ve got a puppeteer … we’ve got drummers on Wednesday, we’ve got dancers on Friday. We’ve got performers coming with this also. It’s not that they’re performing as much as engaging the children and the adults in the activities.”
She said the biggest addition for the season was adding a spot at Liberty Park.
“We’re in a different park than usual,” she said. “We haven’t been in Liberty Park before. It’s great that we’re here.”
Kiedaisch said the first week was a success.
“This year is going really well,” she said. “Everyone’s having a good time so far.”
While the Arts in the Parks’ visit to Liberty Park has come to an end, there will be plenty more opportunities for the public to enjoy the summer programming, including:
- Monroe Park, 850 30th St.; June 10-14 (no activities June 12).
- Lorin Farr Park, 769 Canyon Road; June 17-21 (no activities June 19).
- West Ogden Park, 751 W. 24th St.; June 24-28.
Activities run each of the days listed from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Previously, Science in the Parks has been held alongside Arts in the Parks. However, according to WSU News Coordinator Rachel Badali, that partnership will not be the case for 2024.
“Science in the Parks had fewer staff and volunteers to run the program this year, but they’ll still have individual events with partners like the Ogden Dinosaur Park, the Treehouse Museum and the Ogden Farmers Market,” she said.
For more about Science in the Park events, check https://scienceintheparks.org/.