Children take to crafting at Forest City

Wantagh children from the Forest City neighborhood had fun making winter-themed crafts on Feb 27. Many families in the area have taken advantage of the Town of Hempstead’s free crafting programs for the last month to keep their children involved with local activities.

“I am so happy that Hempstead town is able to provide these free classes for local children at our neighborhood parks,” Supervisor Anthony Santino said. “They enable children to harness their creative energy and create some beautiful projects to take home to their families.”

The arts and crafts classes are offered to children between the ages of 5-12, and take place at 12 parks throughout the township. The second session of the program will start on April 9 and run through May 28.

“This program is usually eight weeks long and runs every Saturday unless there is a holiday,” Forest City recreation instructor Vanessa Posy said. “Most of the activities we do here are holiday related and most parents appreciate it because they are able to take a break or grab a coffee. 

“I love getting to know the new kids and bringing them together,” she added. “We know a lot of the kids from our summer programs and kids who come to the pool and park all of the time. We also accommodate children with special needs and create sort of an occupational therapy for them, so it’s good in that way.”

The winter and spring programs also take place at other Town of Hempstead Parks including Averill Blvd Park in Elmont, Baldwin Park, Coes Neck Park in Baldwin, Garden City South Park, Levittown Hall, Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore, Salisbury Park Drive Ballfields in East Meadow and Walker Memorial Park in Lakeview.

“I think it really brings the community together,” Posy said. “Town of Hempstead runs through all of these different towns and we are all associated in a way. It’s a win-win because we get to know everyone in the town and they get to experience these great activities.”

To register for an arts and crafts session or learn more about the programs visit www.toh.li.