Annual Kids at the Park event teaches children about safety

This article was written by BenitoLink intern Josh Solorio. Lea este artículo en español aquí.

Taking advantage of the school summer break, children of all ages gathered at Dunne Park in Hollister on June 18.

Children and parents participated in various activities as part of the 31st annual Kids at the Park event, which aims to promote safety education for local children. 

Sponsored by the San Benito County Health & Human Services Agency, the free event featured a raffle every 30 minutes and prizes such as bikes and gift certificates for those kids who completed their “passports.” 

The passports were given to registered children where they could collect stamps from different stations. Upon completion of the passport, the participants were entered into the raffle.

Raffle prizes were donated by participating organizations including the YMCA, Youth Alliance and Community Food Bank of San Benito. 

The event also featured a Mexican folklorico dance performance, bubble machines and cornhole games.

Valentina Ramirez, a regular attendee, said she “liked to play the games and get the prizes.” 

This was her third time at the Kids in the Park. Her mother, Ariseli Ramirez, said, “I like coming to see the resources around the town.”

It was the first time resident Stephanie Pena took her children to Kids in the Park. 

“I’ve been coming to this event since I was younger, and I hope my kids will enjoy this event as much as I did,” she said.

Public Health Services Coordinator Ofelia Toledo-Prieto said that roughly 800-1,000 people attend the event.  

“This event is to help kids understand injury prevention and to learn about it as well,” Public Health Services President Maria Barrientos said.

She said attracting volunteers to support Kids in the Park has been a challenge.

San Benito County Health & Human Services Agency collaborates with summer school programs to get kids out to the park. Food and snacks were provided by the Hollister School District. 

The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour, United Way, Taylor Farms and the Emma Bowen Foundation.