WSU Turns Parks Into Educational Hubs for Science, Arts

OGDEN, Utah — Children of all ages and abilities can engage in science experiments and art projects during the summer thanks to Weber State University’s interactive outreach programs Science in the Parks and Arts in the Parks.

This year marks the 10th annual Science in the Parks and seventh annual Arts in the Parks events. The programs will run for six weeks in June and July from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Science in the Parks was created so we can model science as play for a wide range of ages,” said Adam Johnston, Science in the Parks director. “Parks are naturally playful spaces, and we want to show how science is just a way to play with both the natural world and the ideas that explain it.”

The programs partner with the Ogden School District free summer lunch program. After students eat lunch, they spend an hour participating in hands-on learning activities.

“Arts in the Parks is a great way for WSU students in the arts, in education and in other disciplines to gain real-life experiences in presenting their skills to the public and in sharing their talents with children,” said Kathryn MacKay, Arts in the Parks co-director. “It is an example of what can be accomplished out of good partnerships with our sponsors and other non-profits.”

The dates and locations for this summer’s schedule are:

Arts in the Parks
June 6-10, Lorin Farr Park (769 Canyon Road, Ogden)
June 13-17, 4th Street Park  (275 4th St., Ogden)
June 20-24, Lester Park (663 24th St,, Ogden)
June 27-July 1, Monroe Park  (850 30th St., Ogden)
July 5 - 8,  Mt. Ogden Park (3144 Taylor Ave., Ogden)
July 11-15, West Ogden Park (751 West 24th St., Ogden)

Science in the Parks

June 6-10, West Ogden Park (751 West 24th St., Ogden)
June 13-17, Lorin Farr Park (769 Canyon Road, Ogden)
June 20-24, 4th Street Park  (275 4th St., Ogden)
June 27-July 1, Lester Park (663 24th St., Ogden)
July 5 – 8, Monroe Park  (850 30th St., Ogden)
July 11-15, at Mt. Ogden Park (3144 Taylor Ave., Ogden)

In addition to Weber State and the Ogden School District, supporters of the series include:

Val A. Browning Charitable Foundation
Weber County R.A.M.P. (recreation, arts, museums, parks)
Utah Families Foundation
WSU’s Department of Physics and College of Science
WSU's Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities
WSU’s Department of Visual Art & Design
Utah Calligraphic Artists
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

For more information on Science in the Parks, visit weber.edu/scienceinthepark. For more information on Arts in the Parks, visit weber.edu/artsinthepark.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:

Melissa Smith, administrative specialist for Public Relations
801-626-6348 • melissasmith9@weber.edu

Contact:

Adam Johnston, Science in the Parks director
801-626-7711 • ajohnston@weber.edu

Kathryn MacKay, Arts in the Parks co-director
801-626-6782 • kmackay@weber.edu