The idea was too simple: Offer city kids structured, well-supervised park activities, throw in Friday afternoon field trips, and they will come.

        Last summer, kids participated in the Cincinnati Recreation Commission program 5,397 times in 12 city parks. That led to a recent statewide award from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association for Outstanding Youth Program.

        It also has led organizers of the Neighborhood Playground Initiative to begin a fund-raising campaign to expand it this summer.

        “Nothing like having fun while you work,” said program coordinator Yvette Stanford. “It's all through donations. Games, equipment, balls, jump ropes, jacks, money, everything. That's what made it so great.”

        Average cost per playground or park was $6,541, according to a commission's final report on the program.

        This year, organizers are hoping for corporate donations and are considering whether to try an “Adopt a Playground” program.

        “It's a prevention piece, a great program,” said Jim Garges, director of recreation. “Really, it was due in large part to Yvette.”

        Ms. Stanford said the key was offering everything from arts and crafts, to board games and sports, to appeal to different interests.

        Kids didn't have to register in advance, or stay all day. Many didn't. Participants on Friday went on field trips to places such as Coney Island, Surf Cincinnati, Papaw's Farm and the Newport Aquarium.

        The summer ended with an Olympics-style day of sports.

        The city has 110 parks, of which 12 participated. The participating parks were: Hanna, Ziegler, Olden, Winton Place, Evanston, Oyler, Rapid Run, Filson, Fairview, Inwood, Bond Hill and Madisonville.

        This year's program will run from early June,to mid-August, Mr. Garges said.

        For more information or to donate or volunteer, call the recreation commission at 352-4000.
       

       E-mail toneill@enquirer.com

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