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Boardman Park kicks off holiday season
BOARDMAN
Those looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season need only turn off the township’s main retail corridor and into the “green oasis” of Boardman Park, park officials say.
This past weekend kicked off the park’s holiday schedule – which continues into January – with Community Christmas, at which visitors decorated pine trees and gathered for the lighting of a community Christmas tree.
A few of the upcoming events already are full, but the park still has numerous holiday-themed opportunities of which visitors can take advantage.
The park’s “Winter Wonderland” holiday lights show, which features more than 21 displays, will be set up from 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 9.
A synchronized display located on and near the Maag Outdoor Theatre features a 25-foot lighted tree, an American flag, four singing Christmas trees and synchronized music, which listeners can tune into at 88.9 FM. Visitors can park in the theater’s outdoor lot to view that display.
The display is perfect “for people who want a little taste of the holidays in the middle of the hustle of [U.S. Route] 224,” said Karen McCallum, park recreation director.
The Elegant String Quartet Holiday Concert – a free event – is set for Dec. 19 at St. James Meeting House.
“That’s another opportunity ... to pull back and enjoy slowing down a bit, and to enjoy the beauty of this historic landmark,” McCallum said.
The park also will offer free phone calls from Santa Claus on Dec. 15 and 16. Parents can arrange for children age 3 to 8 to receive a phone call by submitting a form to the park office by Dec. 14. Forms are available at boardmanpark.com or at the office.
The holiday theme will play a part in the park’s monthly Senior Fun Day, which is Dec. 17 at the Lariccia Family Community Center.
McCallum believes the park plays an important role in the holiday season for area residents.
“We are surrounded by chaos and shopping, and Boardman Park lends itself to being an oasis,” she said. “We nurture that love of escape and being a part of something magical.”
For information about upcoming events, visit the park’s website or call the park office at 330-726-8107.