Yuma offers unique places for birthday parties C


Story by Mara Knaub Photos by Craig Fry


hildren’s birthday parties are almost synonymous with backyard shindigs.


Parents might rent tables and chairs, hang up a piñata and colorful balloons, set up an inflatable jumping castle and serve hot dogs and soda. But occasionally, mom and dad


want a break. There are several alternative - and unique - locations for children’s birthday parties in Yuma that will take the pressure off mom and dad. The City of Yuma has a vast


selection of venues to choose from, and families looking for a birthday party location can explore several options. The city has a skateboarding


facility and a hockey rink. These facilities are located at Kennedy Park at 23rd Street and Kennedy Lane,


accessed from 24th Street. The Kennedy In-Line Hockey


Rink is a lighted full-size hockey rink. It is not open to the public but is available for private skate parties. The cost to rent the


rink for parties before 6 p.m. is $18 per hour. For parties after 6 p.m. the cost jumps to $30 to cover the use of lights. The Kennedy


Skateboard Park is open and free of charge to the public from sunrise to 11 p.m. daily. Skateboarders must provide their own skateboard, helmet, knee and elbow pads and follow all safety and skateboard rules. The cost for a special event at


the skate park is $75 per hour. For more rental information about the skate park and hockey rink, contact the city’s Park and Recreation


The Pená family gather at Joe Henry Park on a recent week- end to celebrate a birthday in the shade of the city owned ramadas.


Kids splash around in this blow up water slide while dinner is being grilled for a birthday cel- ebration at Joe Henry Park on a recent weekend.


paths. Ramadas can be


Department at 373-5243. For those who prefer to celebrate


at a local park, the city has many parks for families to enjoy free of charge. These parks feature such amenities as playgrounds, barbecues, ramadas, benches, tables, water features and walking


reserved up to a year in advance for a nominal fee. To make a reservation, call


Parks and Recreation Department. For kids wanting a birthday pool


party, the city operates four public swimming pools and two water features; however, pool entry fees apply.


eye exam before a child starts school. Does your child need an eye exam?


Many eyecare professionals recommend a comprehensive


When you’re deciding whether or not you should take your child in for an eye exam, consider the following:


• home test or vision screenings will not detect all of a child’s vision problems.


• 80% of what a child learns during the first 12 years is obtained through vision.


• 1 in 4 children has an undiagnosed vision problem. • visual impairment in children is associated with developmental delays and the need for special educational, vocational and social services.


275 W. 28th Street 928.782.7557


serendipityphotography.org 928.726.0100


Vision Council of America is a non-profit trade association.


Tom Determan, OD • Stephen Spencer, OD Raising Yuma 5


See Places on page 6


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