Art & Science in the Parks programs returning to Ogden for summer 2022

OGDEN – After a two-year hiatus, Weber State University’s summer arts and science programs for children are returning to Ogden area parks.

Arts in the Parks begins June 6 in Lorin Farr Park while Science in the Parks starts a week later on June 13. These educational activities are offered in conjunction with the Ogden City School District’s free summer lunch program and aim to get kids excited  about learning while enjoying a free meal. 

The programs were suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and organizers are excited to return to the parks to celebrate their favorite subjects. 

“For over 10 years, it’s been incredible to witness the growth in popularity,” said Todd Oberndorfer, director of Arts in the Parks. “One of my favorite things to see is the same kids year after year. It's especially rewarding to know that many of these children might not have had opportunities to engage in hands-on art activities if not for programming like Arts in the Parks.”

Staff and volunteers plan different activities for each day centered on a theme with an educational purpose. Though the locations change each week, the program stays the same.  

Arts in the Parks daily themes this year include: Monday, African drumming with Deja Mitchell; Tuesday, storytelling with Rachel Hedman; Wednesday, music and dance; Thursday, puppets and theater; and Friday, visual arts.

Science in the Parks will See it!, Hear it!, Build it!, Move it!, Feel it! for its daily themes.

“We’ve got a solid group of students that are excited to help get science into our community this year,” said Amanda Gentry, director of Science in the Parks. “We’ve got some new experiments to help kids explore their environment, as well as some tried and true favorites that are always a blast.”

Dates and locations for Arts in the Park:

  • June 6-10, Lorin Farr Park (769 Canyon Road, Ogden)

  • June 13-17, Monroe Park (850 30th St., Ogden)

  • June 20-24, Mt. Ogden Park (3144 Taylor Ave., Ogden)

  • June 27 to July 1, 4th Street Park (275 4th St., Ogden)

  • July 4-8, West Ogden Park (751 W 24th St.) 

Dates and locations for Arts in the Park:

  • June 13-17, Lorin Farr Park (769 Canyon Road, Ogden)

  • June 20-24, Monroe Park (850 30th St., Ogden)

  • June 27 to July 1, Mt. Ogden Park (3144 Taylor Ave., Ogden)

  • July 4-8, 4th Street Park (275 4th St., Ogden) 

  • July 11-15, West Ogden Park (751 W 24th St.)

Activities for each group will run from noon to 1 p.m. daily. No activities or lunch will be held July 4. All activities are free thanks to sponsorship from Weber County RAMP and support from Weber State University. Ogden City School District Summer Lunch Program serves free meals to anyone under 18, along with lunches for purchase for adults.

For photos, visit this link.

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

Author:

Jessica Kokesh, social media editor
801-626-7869 • jessicakokesh@weber.edu

Contact:

Todd Oberndorfer, director, Arts in the Park
801-626-7316 • toddoberndorfer@weber.edu