The Atlantic Parks and Rec Department is kicking off the summer with free family fun. All young families are invited to come to the “Sunnyside Summer Block Party” on Friday, June 3rd from 5 pm to 9 pm at Sunnyside Park. Seth Staashelm, Assistant Director of Atlantic Parks & Recreation, says “We have great parks in Atlantic, and we want families to get outside and use them! We know that it can be hard for young families to find inexpensive activities for the whole family to enjoy – and we’ve designed this event with that in mind.”

The event will include live music, space for kids to dance, games and activities, playing at the playground, face painting, and more. A free-will donation dinner will be prepared by the Kiwanis club, and the activities will be located near the Kiwanis Kiddie Korral and the brand-new picnic shelter.

Staashelm says “We recently completed this beautiful new shelter, as well as updating some of the equipment and grounds around it. A new fire pit, like the one at the Camblin Addition, was also recently installed.”

Atlantic Parks & Rec Asst. Dir. Seth Staashelm

The Parks & Rec Department is also exploring other events for the families to encourage use of Atlantic parks. For more information about Atlantic Parks & Rec, visit their website at http://www.atlanticiowa.com/atlantic/city-departments/parks-recreation/ or follow them on Facebook.