The kick off event is “All-In Dodgeball Tournament” for grades five through eight on Feb. 15 from 7 to 11 p.m.
By: Amy Filippone, Dept. of Parks & Recreation
On Feb. 15, the Parks and Recreation Department will be re-launching a new youth activity committee with their first event “All-In Dodgeball Tournament.” Moorestown’s 2019 Citizens of the Year, Debbie Browning Hess and David Hess, started it back in 1968. It was a way for young people to meet up and socialize. Originally it was housed in an old movie theater on Main Street. In a time when there were no cell phones or social media and kids wanted a place where they knew their peers would be, they could hangout after school.
The Parks and Recreation Department recently brought back a committee that consists of kids in middle school through high school as well as Parks and Recreation employees. Their mission is to curate events for this age group that are fun and relevant. While times have changed, the components remain the same: to provide a safe space for kids to interact and enjoy themselves.
The kick off event is “All-In Dodgeball Tournament” for grades five through eight on Feb. 15 from 7 to 11 p.m. The cost is $10 per player, and it’s a great way to begin a three-day weekend. The tournament will take place at the Church Street Recreation Center. Co-ed teams of six to eight will compete in two divisions: fifth/ sixth grades and seventh/eighth grades. This is not the dodgeball of 1968 but the modern, gentler version where a large foam nerf-ball is used. All games will be refereed.
There will be a DJ on third floor of the Recreation Center when teams are not playing. There will be pizza, ping pong, pool and air hockey. There will also be prizes and give-aways throughout the evening.
Everyone must register online, and if kids want to play together, just email Mary Stephano at mstefano@moorestown.nj.us for all roster requests. It’s not at all necessary to have a pre-arranged team. All participants are required to remain in the building until 11 p.m. unless a parent or guardian signs them out. Parent volunteers are also needed and can register online under parent volunteers. Snack donations are also very welcome! Sign up at www.moorestownrec.com soon and enjoy some simple pleasures with friends.
