Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
METHUEN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Methuen Arlington Neighborhood Inc. officially wrapped up this year’s Summer Parks And Recreation Program on Friday.
The free summer program kicked off on Jul. 1. and ran from Monday through Friday every week from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Aug. 22 at Tenney Street Park.
Some of the activities included basketball, arts and crafts, board games, yoga and karate, and field trips, with free breakfast and lunch provided on all those days.
Coordinator for MAN, Inc. Linda Soucy spoke about how this program gives tons of kids the opportunity to have a fulfilling summer when they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.
“We definitely target the 10 to 14-year-old kids who would be left alone because their parents can’t afford a babysitter,” Soucy said. “We want to get those kids out of their houses and here.”
WATCH: WBZ NewsRadio's Matt Shearer Checks Out The New Gronk Playground
MAN, Inc. made a Facebook post on Friday thanking everyone involved in allowing the program to happen this year, as well as a follow-up post thanking the staff specifically.
As the program ended, many of the about 100 kids that participated in this year’s festivities shared their favorite parts of the summer, with field trips being a major highlight.
“I really enjoyed Canobie Lake, 11-year-old Nevaeh said. “I got to be with my friends and hang out and have fun at the waterpark.”
“The Boston Harbor Cruise, it was so fun,” 12-year-old Joshua said. “All those field trips are the best field trips.”
While they’re not looking forward to going back to school, many of the kids said they are excited for next year’s summer program.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.