A Day in VanBuren Park
Shoot some hoops, ride a horse, play kickball, or simply relax when Friends of Fulton Parks presents “A Day In VanBuren Park” on June 8.
Hours for the event are 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the park, located at VanBuren and North Sixth streets in Fulton.
The event is sponsored by Oswego County Federal Credit Union, and is organized and hosted by Friends of Fulton Parks (FOFP).
Free for all ages, “A Day In VanBuren Park” offers horse rides for adults and children; an inflatable obstacle course; games including kickball, tennis, and basketball; and more.
Grace & Glory Animals will be there, and Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) will have a fun in the sun safety display.
FOFP and OCO have partnered through the Cancer Prevention in Action Program to enact a sun safety policy at VanBuren Park and Recreation Park, enabling park patrons to access free sunscreen at both locations. At VanBuren Park, a sunscreen dispenser will be located in the tennis court.
According to Friends of Fulton Parks Director Kelley Weaver, “This was a great opportunity and partnership that will enhance two of our parks and increase sun safety. We are very excited to be able to offer free sunscreen at VanBuren Park and Recreation Park and encourage all park patrons to take advantage of keeping their skin protected.”
Ashley Galloway, an employee of Oswego County Federal Credit Union and an FOFP board member, said the day at VanBuren Park will be a fun day for the community.
“We at Oswego County FCU are delighted to sponsor the day in the park event with Friends of Fulton Parks,” Galloway said. “Oswego County FCU has long been committed to serving our community, and this event provides families the opportunity to spend a wonderful day doing family activities while highlighting a community resource.”
Weaver said this is the fourth annual day in the park event.
“We want to showcase what the different parks have to offer,” Weaver said. “VanBuren Park has a lot of space, so it can accommodate a lot of people. We wanted to give people a stress-free day in the park and opportunities to enjoy life outside.”
VanBuren Park was established in 1962, according to the FOFP website. It is named for the John VanBuren family, one of the first families to settle in Fulton, and cousins of President Martin VanBuren.
One of the main attractions of the park is a fitness trail with exercise equipment. Weaver said the fitness trail was a collaboration with Oswego County Opportunities. OCO had a grant to fund it, and FOFP worked with them to see the project through, she said. The equipment includes an elliptical machine, an ab crunch/leg lift, and pull-up bars.
Lawrence Macner, 6th Ward representative on the Fulton Common Council, said VanBuren Park, which is within his ward, has a lot to offer. The playing surface has been redone on the tennis courts, a half-mile walking trail was installed within the past couple of years, and there is a gazebo where people can hold picnics or other events.
“This is a good way to get out and enjoy what the city has to offer,” Macner said.
While the event starts at 11 a.m., FOFP asks that people do not arrive early to allow for proper setup.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Food will be available for purchase from Tricky Dick’s Roadside Grille.
Contact friendsoffultonparks@gmail.com for more information.
Weaver encourages everyone in the community to attend and enjoy the day.
“We want to make people aware of what is available in the park for them to do on any given day, and provide a stress-free day of activities,” she said.