I was on my way to the gas station and I saw two things in Shepherd Park (MLK Ave SE & Malcolm X Ave SE) that TOTALLY caught my attention. 1) a large number of Caucasians and 2) large number of children playing in the park!

Both are welcome but are two things you don't see in the park all that often. While I was depositing the value of 3 martinis ($30) into my gas tank I went over to check out the festivities in the park.

Seems that the Salvation Army hosts events in the park every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am - 2pm (don't hold me to the start time but I think they said 9am). The Salvation Army sets up tables with different activities like coloring, crafts, games, face painting etc. Even better is that there are a large number of volunteers (adults and teens) to play with the kids. Saw a lot of playing on the swings and playground equipment. The salvation army even provides drinks and lunch for the kids!

The event is open to ANY child who wants to come and play and have a really good time. Couldn't find anything about this on the web but according to the Salvation Army volunteer they will be doing this every week, Tuesday and Wednesday through August.

Think I may go out to the park one of these Tuesday and Wednesday and get my "swing" on! Between the Salvation Army events, the new Horseshoe Club and the upcoming new playground equipment our neighborhood park is coming along quite nicely. It's time for a REAL name for our REAL park.

Any suggestions?

UPDATE: Called the Salvation Army on G Street SE and they said that the hours of their "park play" are 10:30 - 1:30 or 2pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.