The annual Clemson Community Day of Play is now in its 12th year. Held Saturday, September 26, at Central-Clemson Recreation Center, the event brought families together for an afternoon of free fun, recreation and a chance to simply Go Play!
The U.S. Play Coalition launched the first Clemson Community Day of Play in 2015 as part of a collaboration with Nickelodeon’s annual Worldwide Day of Play. Led by the Coalition’s executive director, Stephanie Garst, and supported by Clemson University’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, the event was created to share the value of play with our hometown community.
To view photos from the event, visit the Clemson Community Day of Play photo gallery.
Making an Impact
Clemson Community Day of Play is focused on making a local impact by ensuring that children in our community have access to quality, no-cost play opportunities. We also recognize that children have different play-related needs, so the event includes a special sensory-friendly preview time. The session features reduced noise, quieter surroundings and lower stimulation so every child and family can play comfortably.
In partnership with the City of Clemson’s Parks and Recreation Department, Clemson University supports the annual celebration hosted at Nettles Park or the Clemson-Central Recreation Center. The city provides the venue while also promoting, supporting and helping staff the event. Planning and logistics are a collaborative effort, exemplifying the strong town-gown relationship between Clemson University and the City of Clemson.
Through service-learning opportunities, Clemson students play an active role in supporting the local community. Each year, an estimated 50 to 75 students volunteer from a variety of academic departments and groups, including student organizations, Greek Life, Student Athletic Development, Rally Cats, Clemson University Cheer, Tiger and Cubby, and others. Their involvement gives students a hands-on opportunity to serve local families and connect with the community.
Local resources for children and families are another important part of the Day of Play. Over the years, activities, demonstrations and information have been provided by Pickens County First Steps, Clemson Outdoor Lab, City of Clemson Arts Center, Trudel Music, Kuk Sool Won of Clemson, Cruz Outdoors, City of Clemson Police Department, Town of Central Police Department, Yoga Therapy Bar, Fit Techniques, The Parenting Place and more. These community partners help families discover local programs and services while sharing the resources they offer.
A Look Back at 2020
In 2020, the event looked different. Instead of gathering for inflatables, games, slime-making, crafts, photo ops, and other activities, we played it safe with our first virtual play day. We worked with our staff, partners at City of Clemson Parks and Recreation, and Clemson University student interns to create PLAY@HOME kits for area families. Each kit included supplies for slime-making, crafts, games, healthy snacks, and more. We also streamed live activities and encouraged everyone to “Get Up, Get Out and Go Play (@HOME)!”
Together, these partnerships create a welcoming day where children can play, families can connect, community organizations can showcase their programs and services, and Clemson students can gain meaningful service-learning experience.
Past Clemson Days of Play
Written by Stephanie Garst
