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As previously reported, Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation is active in hosting spring pop-up events as a part of its Parks Mobile Rec Unit series. 

Though last Tuesday’s planned event at Heritage Park at 131 W. Washington Street was temporarily postponed due to inclement weather, the fun still arrived. 

From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, Heritage Park was active with both youth and adults taking in one of the events. 

Another is set to occur on Tuesday, April 22, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., this time at Massie Park at 126 Park Avenue. 

“We go to different parks each year just to make sure our community knows that we’re out and about,” said Tiffany Fletcher, Assistant Programs Director of WCCPR. “We try to do different stuff each time.” 

As is commonplace, Thursday’s gathering provided individuals with a free slice of pizza and drink upon arrival. 

There was a playground area at the park where young kids could partake in outdoor activities, and WCCPR brought out a Connect Four game and sidewalk chalk. 

However, as opposed to some other events, there were less games – though with good reason. 

Many of the youth and others who gathered were preoccupied with the petting zoo provided by Avalon Farms LLC. 

Not only did the zoo feature common barnyard animals such as goats, but animals that might be considered more exotic – such as a kangaroo, camel, and zebra – were on hand. 

Individuals were given an ice cream cup with feed in it to give to the animals. 

“We’re both Winchester natives. We grew up here our whole lives,” said Marissa Thompson, co-owner of Avalon Farms LLC. “I had the idea…’lets do something families can enjoy.’” 

Cody McCord, fellow co-owner of Avalon Farms LLC, also spoke. 

“Animals are almost a thing of the past,” he said. “A lot of people don’t get to experience coming out and just enjoying [them]…it’s just a good way to give back to the community.” 

A bounce house was also provided at the event. 

Justin White, owner of Kentucky Kids Bounce, was present. 

“I started up last year….it’s just been growing,” he said. “I’m just trying to bring something a little more special around here.” 

White elaborated on what he found most rewarding. 

“Seeing [the kids] have fun [and] the smiles that it brings,” he said. “It makes it a little more exciting to help people out.” 

Such sentiment was shared by Fletcher, who also offered thanks to community partners and nonprofit organizations – many of whom were in attendance – including Clark County Community Services, First Church of God, and the Clark County Pubic Library.

“Without…donations and that presence, we really couldn’t be able to afford to offer these free to the community,” she said.