By: Isaiah S. Showell, Follow South Jersey Multimedia Journalist/’What’s Good’ Host
MILLVILLE, N.J. — Playstreets is an initiative that is dedicated to the kids having fun by any means necessary: recess to the twelfth power and the kids love it!
Playstreets is not a spectator sport either, especially if you live in Millville because everyone from the Millville Public Library to the Police Department pitches in to make the Playstreets better than the year before.
“The underlying intention is to build community,” said Tom Stark, pastor of 1st United Methodist Church. “There are organizations here that are ready willing and able to help. You are not alone.”
Heather Garrison is a community builder for The Holly City Development Corporation and has served in Playstreets for six years. She brought her family to help with the Playstreet festivities while other families take advantage of free food and school supplies.
“The library’s here, so they get books in their hands,” said Garrison. “They open the fire hydrant. It’s a safe space.”
Among the several tables was one from Cross County Connection, a non-profit Transportation Management Association that provides transportation-related services in all South Jersey counties. Latifah Sunkett, who teaches bicycle and pedestrian safety, emphasizes how important it is for the youth to learn how to travel as safely as possible to and from school.
“I specifically focus on K-8 grades, and I go out to teach bicycle and pedestrian safety in all schools even summer camps and other organizations,” said Sunkett. “A lot of parents don’t know how to tell their children how walk across the street safely especially helmet fitting.”
School supplies were available and taken advantage of by the community, and this year’s Playstreets were a success. It’s definitely What’s Good in South Jersey this week!
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