On Saturday, May 18, Greenbelt residents were treated to a sunny day of free food and entertainment at the Celebration of Spring at springhill Lake Recreation Center (SHLRC). According to lead organizer and Recreation Coordinator Frank Jones, the purpose of the event was twofold: to provide a good time and to create awareness of the plethora of local programs and groups available. Brian Butler, co-leader and coordinator, was happy about the big turnout and deemed it a success. Entertainment at the event included three moon bounces, a live DJ, arts and crafts, a magician and several group information tables, including representatives from CHEARS, Neighborhood Composting, the Peace and Justice Coalition of Prince George’s County and the Greenbelt Recreation Department. Carol Petrucci, art teacher at Greenbelt elementary and Spring Hill Lake Elementary School, was present to share arts and crafts. With the help of volunteers, she created Mexican tissue flowers, among other things. This was roughly the 20th year for this event. Under the aegis of the recreation department, this is the largest event at the SHLRC each year, according to Jones. Recreation Assistant Director Greg Varda said that the recreation department coordinates with the Greenbelt Police Department and Public Works to make this possible. Said Varda, “We are all working together, which is great.” Funding comes from the City of Greenbelt. When asked about the biggest challenge, Varda replied, “We pray for good weather,” as it dictates attendance. Butler estimated that close to 80 people came out this year, adding that there were more parents present this time. The CHEARS table laid out many of their ongoing initiatives including the Three Sisters gardens at SHLRC, the Community Center and Schrom Hills Park. They also featured a photo update on the efforts of the Earth Squad working out of SHLRC, the Greenbelt Food Forest and a public art dedication.
Neighborhood Composting educated residents on their hot compost process, which involves combining food scraps with wood chips. The reparation bins were on site. When heat, water and oxygen (provided by shoveling) are added, a nutritious compost is the result. The group hosts neighborhood events throughout the year in this endeavor. The Peace and Justice Coalition highlighted three bills on racial equity in policing that are to be voted on by the county council. They deal with mandatory body cameras for the Prince George’s County Police Department, required notification for inclusion on shared gang database, and non-cooperation between county police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (aka ICE). This is the first time the coalition has participated in this event. Varda and Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor Rebekah Sutfin provided information and promoted the Greenbelt Recreation Department with complementary fidget spinners. Butler described the Franklin Park community that SHLRC serves as large and the most transient in Greenbelt. There are roughly 3,000 residents living in 2,800 units. The goal of SHLRC is to involve youth in positive and constructive programs in order to avoid trouble. He said it can be daunting at times to accommodate every program within the 11,000 square feet of the Center. He hoped that events like the Spring Celebration will let the community know that “We are here and ready to serve.”
Springhill Lake Recreation Holds Spring Celebration
Sity Stars performed at Celebration of Spring this past Saturday. They were great! And invited the audience to participate!