Possible "family-friendly" event on Saturday

[Brian Gongol]

Some people have asked about a "family-friendly" event on Saturday afternoon, like a picnic or something. Here's the deal: If you want to organize one, please feel free to do so. We can't make it a formal part of the reunion (because then we'd have to include it in the insurance policy and charge extra for the whole thing), but we (the reunion committee) will be happy to share the details of the event with everyone if someone else wants to plan it.

(Hint: If you want to suggest a family event, this thread would be a really good place to start it...)

[karaseaton]

I didn't see the thread about this, so I emailed Brian this morning. I know Diana Dubuisson and I were talking about how an informal picnic on Saturday would be fun to see all the families. It wouldn't have to be complex, we could just pick a place, and we could do potluck, or it might be easier to have everyone bring their own lunch. I'm in Iowa City now, and while I make it back to Des Moines on occasion, I'm not sure even where to suggest to look at to hold this? Probably a park that would have some sort of a shelter house in case the weather is bad? Anyone else interested? I'm open to suggestions

Kara (Kinkade) Seaton

[kellystewart]

I live near Des Moines and will check out some parks tomorrow for a possible family-friendly event for Saturday noontime. I think we could have everyone bring their own main item (sandwiches, etc) and a side dish to share. I will try to post what I find out this weekend.

Kelly (Griffin) Stewart

[courtneystrait]

I think that this would be a great idea, I also know that last years class had a bar crawl, and Urbandale high school reunions always include an informal night where everyone meets at clive after five, or urbandale fest. I am up for both if someone want to organize. --Courtney Greer (Strait)

[Brian Gongol]

There won't be a Clive After Five that weekend due to the Iowa State Fair, but if anyone wants to coordinate a Friday night event (I personally think the Fair would be a great place for it), please go right ahead. There's another thread on this board already set up to go for such a discussion.

[kellystewart]

Update Re: Picnic Location

I looked into the following:

West Des Moines City Park Shelters: $30/4 hours.
- 1 at Raccoon River Park was open but we'd have to leave before 1pm for another group so ruled that out
- The only other park shelter available was Pearson Park north of Ashworth off 19th Street. The park itself was nice and shady, there was lots of room and a playground for kids. Unfortunately you cannot see the playground from inside the shelter (it is turned the wrong way) and the shelter itself was a little older and didn't look very nice inside.

Urbandale City Park, no indoor shelters available, they do not reserve outdoor shelters so I ruled that out due to wanting to have a specific reserved space!

Clive City Park Shelters: $40
Greenbelt was already rented
Linnan Shelter-off Alice Ave. and East of 86th street has an open shelter, shady due to mature trees and playground in clear view--the parks and rec. lady commented there has been some changes in the neighborhood there and "problems" but it still seemed like a nice park when I drove by.
Campbell Rec. Shelter--off 128th street East between University and Hickman has a new open shelter. The shelter had 8 large tables, otherwise the area was unshaded. A play area is adjacent. The parks and rec. lady commented if it was rainy it could be messy as they haven't laid new sod there yet.
Country Club Glen-on Sheridan off 161st street-the shelter appeared too small and there was no shade there so I'm voting against this one-plus it is not as centrally located.

Saylorville Lake: $50
They have a number of shelters-the Bob Shetler ones sounded neat but I figured the closer to West Des Moines area and simpler for people to get to would result in more people being able to come!

Summary: I'm leaning towards reserving either the Linnan Shelter or Campbell Rec. Shelter in Clive and plan to do so Mon. or Tues.--but would appreciate anyone elses input!!

Kelly (Griffin) Stewart

[kellystewart]

After taking a second look at a few of the parks (and a second opnion from my husband) Pearson Park in WDM (just off Ashworth and North on 19th) seems like the best option for a picnic. I plan to reserve it tomorrow and will post details then.

[karaseaton]

Thanks for all your research Kelly, Pearson park sounds great. My little one is too little to be on the playground solo, so thats not a problem for us! From what I understand, since the cost can't be part of the official reunion tab, I think it would be easy enough to take up "donations" at the event to cover the cost. I know its only $30, but you shouldn't have to pay for it solo. Thanks again, we're looking forward to details!

Also, I think Kelly's idea about bringing their own main dish (probably beverages/table service too), then a dish to share sounds fine with me!

[kellystewart]

Hello Fellow Class of ’97-ers,

Pearson Park in West Des Moines is reserved Saturday, Aug. 18th from 11am-3pm for a family-friendly picnic. We’ll plan to meet, eat and visit starting at 11:30 am. Anyone in our graduating class, their significant others and families are welcome to join us!

Please bring your own main dish, table service and beverages and a side dish or dessert to share. There is a grill at the park and I’ll make sure to have charcoal on hand for whoever wants to fire it up.

Pearson Park is located off 19th Street, north of Ashworth in West Des Moines. It is at the intersection of 19th and Pleasant Street. If you can reformat, see the below links for a map and further park details.

www.city.west-des-moines.ia.us/asp/parksandrec/parks_details.asp?deptid=8&parkid=11

www.city.west-des-moines.ia.us/asp/parksandrec/parks_list.asp?deptid=8

Please note this event is not officially part of the reunion, due to liability reasons, and that I am not an official reunion planner. I am simply a pinch hitter who thought the idea of a picnic sounded fun.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Peace,

Kelly (Griffin) Stewart
[e-mail]
515-480-8265