Mansfield brings Parks and Rec programs to you in virtual form during COVID pandemic

When you can’t get out to the park because of COVID-19, bring the parks and rec programs to you.

The City of Mansfield has created a Parks and Rec to Go program for its citizens of all ages. It’s a series of programs that folks can do from the comfort of home, individually or as a family.

For a small price, folks can purchase kits that offer a variety of projects, ranging from building their own miniature ecosystem to creating a special keepsake.

“More than anything, the whole situation has taught us to be flexible and constantly find new ways to reach the community and continue to serve them, even when our typical routes are not an option,” Mansfield Parks and Recreation Marketing and Communications Manager Ann Beck said. “We in parks feel very passionate about our responsibility to help families stay active and engaged with each other, nature and the community, and this has been a fun challenge to try and meet those needs while everyone was stuck at home.”

Highlights of the program include:

▪ Dinosaur ecosystem terrarium: Create your own mini-ecosystem at home. Each kit includes all supplies to create your terrarium, succulents, instructions, and how to care for your terrarium.

▪ Fairy garden terrarium ecosystem: Similar to above, but featuring fairies.

▪ Jungle Ecosystem Terrarium

▪ Family camping at home: A box of activities designed for fun in your own back yard (or front yard). Package includes s’more supplies for the whole family, craft materials to make two creations, Google Drive link for demonstration videos, and a family activity guide.

▪ Nature crafts, bird theme: Each box includes three nature craft projects designed for interaction with birds.

▪ Create a nature wreath.

▪ Rock Painting.

▪ Paw print keepsake: Memory keepsake is perfect for any pet owner. Kit includes a travel bowl, Oliver Nature Park logo pet tag, fun-colored clay, and a keepsake tin. The keepsake tin comes in three sizes, so measure your pet’s paw before ordering. Tin and clay colors vary.

Beck said even when activities return to normal, the city will continue to offer Parks and Rec to Go packages.

“I think we will certainly continue offering them in some form or another. Now that we’ve seen it’s something people respond to and has been successful, we don’t really have a reason to stop,” she said. “As long as people are interested, we will offer them.”