By Jennifer Marino
There were exhibits focused on health and safety from the Rockville Centre Fire Department and Mercy Medical Center, and exhibits on education from the Rockville Centre Public Library and the Boy Scouts.
Children came "because it's fun," according to Andrew Lavelle, who was there with his mother and friends Blaze and Livia Kelly.
Andrew, Blaze and Livia enjoyed playtime in one of the Rec Center's gymnasiums. There were mats to tumble on, cushiony surfaces for jumping and a rope swing. Inside the center, the kids could get their faces painted by the Art Studio or munch on free snacks. There were tables for sports organizations like the soccer, lacrosse and basketball clubs. The Lions Club brought along their famous big duck, and McGruff, the crime dog, was also patrolling the area.
The Fire Department handed out play fire helmets and the Rockville Centre Police Department took Polaroid photos of the kids so their parents would have recent photos of them.
Outside in the parking lot there was an assortment of dogs from K-9 units and horses from the Nassau-Suffolk Horsemen's Association. One was even ridden by a former Rockville Centre resident, Buddy Koerner.
The New York City Police Department, the Army and the Red Cross were also represented. A SWAT team showed off its equipment, explaining that its shields and armor are bulletproof. The Malverne Police Department gave parents and kids rides in its electric car.
Many kids and parents stopped by on their way to and from soccer games being played on the Rec Center's field.
