By WKTV Staff
In 2019 the City of Kentwood hosted its initial Glow in the Park 5K and the community liked it so much the upcoming Glow in the Park event, set for Saturday, Oct. 16, will feature more activities in addition to a fun run/walk, including games, crafts, music, food and dancing.
As always, however, community members are invited to “illuminate the night” — participants and supporters are encouraged to wear brightly colored and glow-in-the-dark clothes and accessories — for the event, taking place 7-9 p.m., at Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE.
Among the glow-themed activities planned are light-up playground games and crafts, music, food — and, of course, the self-timed fun run/walk.
Proceeds will help keep Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department’s youth programs affordable for all children to participate, have fun and learn with their peers, according to a city announcement. Donations also will be accepted during the event.
“Ever since the great turnout we had for our first after-dark running event in 2019, we have been looking forward to offering another Glow in the Park night in Kentwood,” Spencer McKellar, lead recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “This time, we’re including a variety of additional activities to encourage all ages to dress up and join us outside with friends, neighbors and loved ones.
“In addition to being a fun way to soak up the fall weather before winter comes, our Glow in the Park event is also for a good cause — helping more families be able to participate in our youth programs.”
The “lighthearted” — pun intended — run/walk will start at 7:30 p.m., with on-site packet pickup beginning at 7 p.m. Participants can choose to do either a 0.3- or 1-mile run/walk along a park path that will be lit with glow sticks and other colorful lights. Volunteers in glow wear will also help light the way. A water station will be provided at the course start/finish line.
Light-up playground games and crafts, music and snacks will be available throughout the event. The fun run will be followed by an after-party with dancing. The evening will conclude at 9 p.m.
Two levels of registration are available online at kentwood.us/GlowInThePark. For entry to the event with a goody bag full of glow supplies, registration costs $5. For those who also want to take part in the fun run/walk, registration costs $20 and includes a goody bag, T-shirt and race medal.
The City of Kentwood will continue to monitor public health guidance and orders, which may require changes to events.
For more information on City of Kentwood event’s visit kentwood.us.
