Day 14: Pacific Art Camp and St. Mary's Playground
Monday, July 20, 2009Posted by
Reflindo
0 Comments
Monday, July 20th, 2009
This morning I visited Pacific Art Camp at St. Mary's Gym, where young artistic talent was in the making. St. Mary's is a beautiful facility in Bernal Heights, just north of Alemany. For two weeks at a time, San Franciscans from ages 5 to 11 take classes in art, music, dance and drama.
I was very impressed with the quality of the instruction the children were receiving. Brando, the camp director, is extremely talented and has even directed an off-Broadway play, but her real passion is working with children. Reed, the music director, has opened for Casey and the Sunshine Band, but for the last seven summers, he has shared his talents and his love of music with our campers. Reed played the keyboard as the kids sung their hearts out to the Bonnie Raitt tune, Runaway. Upstairs kids were practicing theatrical scenes from Robinhood, while another group was learning the boot slapping line dance in the gym. Yet another group of budding artists were studying Andy Warhol's work and creating their own pop art. (If you have a child who loves art, there are still some slots available in August.)
Then, I stepped outside to see St. Mary's Playground which which has just been renovated. It is now the second largest playground in the city and the most inclusive. The playground features a large playstructure that is fully accessible for children who use mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and walkers. Our capital division did an amazing job on this playground and it will fast become a neighborhood treasure. Please join us this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. for the ribbon cutting celebration!
Did you know? St. Mary's Park and Playground was built on 13 acres of land 10 of which the City bought for $87,500, while the Archdiocese donated the remainder. In the 1930s, Works Progress Administration (WPA) workers repaired the land, and construction of the three-tiered park began in 1947, when voters passed a recreation bond. Mayor Elmer Robinson dedicated the Park in 1951.
Labels:
Pacific Art Camp,
St. Mary's Playground
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
