ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—Hundreds of residents gathered on the Mackay Park lawn Sunday, Aug. 23, for the Back-to-School Splash, a free afternoon of swimming, food, music, games and school-year preparations.
The event was organized by Englewood Parks & Recreation, Disabled Combat Veterans Youth Programs, Bergen Family Center, Embrace Relief and Peace Islands Institute.
Guests included Mayor Michael Wildes; Parks & Recreation Director Teshawn Warren; Kevin Meacham of Embrace Relief; Adam Ozdemir of Peace Islands Institute; Stephanie Cucuta of Global Sisters Collective; and chef Dion Cucuta, founder and CEO of Disabled Combat Veterans Youth Programs.
“The reason for this event is to celebrate the diversity of our community and to ensure that every child leaves feeling excited about going back to school!” Stephanie Cucuta said. “We want to make sure they are supported and prepared for the upcoming school year. We want every family to have a positive experience with our partner organizations.”
Local clergy members offered invocations before exchanging greetings with Wildes.
“The next generation will do what we do, not what we say,” Wildes told the gathering. “I cannot wait to one day turn this microphone over to one of them as they lead this beautiful experiment in democracy forward.”
Throughout the afternoon, volunteers served burgers, hot dogs, chicken and chili. Popcorn and cotton candy were also available.
Information and giveaway tables represented the event’s sponsors, the Englewood Health Department, the Englewood Police Department and HIPPY, or Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters.
Children played in a bounce house and tried video games inside an entertainment trailer as a DJ kept the music playing. Mackay Pool, staffed by lifeguards and Parks & Recreation employees, was another popular attraction.
The afternoon culminated in a backpack giveaway. Englewood students received backpacks filled with school supplies and organized by grade, helping them begin the new school year prepared.