MERIDIAN, ID – Through its annual Unplug and Be Outside celebration, Meridian Parks and Recreation hopes to inspire families to get connected to activities that promote positive mental, physical and emotional health by offering a week filled with free workshops and experiences focused on the arts, sports and recreation. This year’s Unplug and Be Outside events will take place May 13 – 20 at a variety of locations.
“During the last couple of years, we have learned the value of being connected to fun, recreation and each other. Unplug and Be Outside offers free opportunities for people of all ages to find an activity that creates a spark of joy,” explains Recreation Coordinator Reneé White.
A printed Unplug and Be Outside schedule can be picked up at the Kick-Off event, Field Day, or at the Meridian Parks & Recreation administrative office on the second floor of City Hall. It can also be viewed online at meridiancity.org/unplug.
The week begins with a Kick-Off on Saturday, May 13, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, in Kleiner Park. The kick-off will feature a variety of free hands-on activities, including:
“During the last couple of years, we have learned the value of being connected to fun, recreation and each other. Unplug and Be Outside offers free opportunities for people of all ages to find an activity that creates a spark of joy,” explains Recreation Coordinator Reneé White.
A printed Unplug and Be Outside schedule can be picked up at the Kick-Off event, Field Day, or at the Meridian Parks & Recreation administrative office on the second floor of City Hall. It can also be viewed online at meridiancity.org/unplug.
The week begins with a Kick-Off on Saturday, May 13, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, in Kleiner Park. The kick-off will feature a variety of free hands-on activities, including:
- Jump Rope and Double Dutch Demonstration and Workshop by the Summer Wind Skippers. Participating youth can take home a free jump rope.
- Fishing at Kleiner Park Pond with instruction and loaner equipment provided by Idaho Fish and Game Department staff. Raffle tickets will be awarded to enter for prizes for casting, fly tying and fish identification.
- Families who bring along their bikes can get free tire slime and make simple bike repairs. Children can learn new road skills in the Bicycle Obstacle Course and Bike Rodeo hosted by the Meridian Police Department. A small number of free kids bikes will be given away – first come, first served.
- Learn more about local offerings from Meridian YMCA, Children’s Museum of Idaho, and Meridian Parks and Recreation.
The fun continues with a Field Day in Settlers Park on Wednesday, May 17, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, featuring free fishing, healthy eating station plus hands-on tennis, soccer and flag football workshops for kids.
Additional free workshops and activities will be offered throughout the week including dance, filmmaking, pottery, birdwatching, a nature-themed photo walk, and a historic walking tour. Activities are hosted in various locations and times during the week.
Those who participate in Unplug and Be Outside activities can enter to win a variety of prizes. The printable challenge card can be downloaded at meridaincity.org/unplug.
Unplug and Be Outside is made possible in part by sponsorship support from Idaho Central Credit Union.
To learn more and view the complete schedule for Unplug and Be Outside, visit the website: www.meridiancity.org/unplug.
Additional free workshops and activities will be offered throughout the week including dance, filmmaking, pottery, birdwatching, a nature-themed photo walk, and a historic walking tour. Activities are hosted in various locations and times during the week.
Those who participate in Unplug and Be Outside activities can enter to win a variety of prizes. The printable challenge card can be downloaded at meridaincity.org/unplug.
Unplug and Be Outside is made possible in part by sponsorship support from Idaho Central Credit Union.
To learn more and view the complete schedule for Unplug and Be Outside, visit the website: www.meridiancity.org/unplug.
About the author
Stephany Galbreaith
Communications Manager