Inaugural Campbell Park Fun Day

BY ALLEN A. BUCHANAN, Staff Writer

ST. PETERSBURG –Recreation Supervisor Carlos Daniels hosted the first family fun day event on the grounds of Campbell Park to highlight the richness of businesses, services and local talent in the community last Saturday, Dec 3.

“We’re trying to get more things going on in our community-positive things,” said Daniels.

The recreation leader sees the event as one of several to entice new families in the area to the recreation center, which boast of a gymnasium, two baseball fields, a large pool, tennis court, a lighted football field, a Fitness Zone and a huge playground for kids of all ages.

“We have beautiful parks in the area, and we want families to come out and enjoy them.”

Sponsored in part by the Juvenile Welfare Board, they were just one of many service providers on hand informing residents of their many programs. Others included Florida Blue, Amerigroup, Bethel Community Foundation, Home Instruction For Parents of Preschool Youngsters and the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

Portions of the event were broadcast live by one of the event sponsors Power 99.1, who raffled off prizes and concert tickets.

President of the Campbell Park Neighborhood Association Coy LaSister informed residents that with two construction projects slated for next year, the association will put anyone with construction experience in contact with the building companies.

Local talent entertained and amazed the crowd, such as Koko Bella and Jerrod Williams. Both products of Gibbs High School, they performed along with nearly a dozen local artists.  However, headliner Jeremy Lomack stole the show with his energetic vocals and dance performance.

Daniels said mainly Campbell Park residents showed up to the family fun day, but next year he’s hoping to see more of St. Pete represented.

“I see the fun day growing more each year, and I would like to incorporate other neighborhoods to make it a city-wide affair.”

To reach Allen Buchanan, email abuchanan@theweeklychallenger.com