It's Saturday---It's Play Day!

Saturday afternoon is the launch for Columbia's first annual Play Day event. A scavenger hunt discovering Columbia’s parks, a variety of games, and kids’ art projects are just a few of the hands-on interactive activities planned for the event in Bolm-Schuhkraft Park (known to many residents as the “city park”). The 44.5-acre park is bordered by Parkview Dr., Temple St., the Parkview Elementary School campus and the Columbia High School campus.

Events run from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free and this will be a rain or shine event.

The event is designed to discover the fun, education and recreation available in the city’s many public recreational areas and playspaces. Envisioned as “A Day to Play” by organizers, the event will feature interactive stations that will introduce visitors to the themes and activities found in Columbia’s parks, many of which are little known--or completely unknown--to many residents.

Created and hosted by the Columbia Play Commission in collaboration with KaBOOM!, this year’s inaugural event is supported by Commerce Bank, Columbia Market, the Columbia Rotary Club, Pam Keevan Photography, the Kiwanis Club of Columbia, the Monroe County YMCA, Moonwalkers, Radio Disney, the Monroe County Economic Development Council, Traube Tent Company and the City of Columbia.

“It’s really just a fun afternoon to get out and discover our parks,” states John Traube, Chair for the Play Commission. “Our hope is that families and kids of all ages will come for the fun and leave with a better appreciation for where to spend unstructured afternoons year-round.”

KaBOOM! recognized Columbia this year as a “Playful City USA,” a national recognition honoring cities and towns across the nation committed to taking action for play. Columbia was the only community in the St. Louis metropolitan area so honored this year.

Have a question or urgent need the day of the event? Call the Play Day Hotline at (618) 410-0051.