University Circle Inc. announces family-fun event series

Posted April 19, 2021 in Articles

Author: Anne Nickoloff

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood is bringing a little extra fun to the weekends this summer. University Circle Incorporated (UCI) announced a new six week series called “YAY! Saturdays” that offers family-friendly activities, workshops, games and performances around Wade Oval.

The series will take place 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on six Saturdays, between June 12 and July 17. All YAY events are free and open to the public, and registration is recommended online. The series is focused on students in kindergarten through the eighth grade.

“We’re thrilled to welcome families back to Wade Oval,” said Chris Ronayne, president of UCI, in a press release. “Our team worked hard to plan an amazing event for the youngest members of our community and their families. When we talk about closing the opportunity gap during the summer months, this is what we mean – bringing great community partners and quality educational content together in one location and making sure it’s free, it’s fun, and it’s accessible to all.”

Each YAY! Saturdays event will feature activities in three zones: an education-focused “Discovery Zone,” a fitness-focused “Shape Up Zone” and an arts-focused “Fan Zone.”

The Discovery Zone will feature workshops and seminars with organizations like the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, Literary Cleveland and the Cleveland Institute of Art -- while the Shape Up Zone will offer fitness classes with organizations like ZENworks Yoga, The Music Settlement and One to One Fitness. The Fan Zone will feature performances from Great Lakes Science Center, 10K Movement, Talespinner Children’s Theatre and more.

Beyond the three zones, YAY Saturdays will also feature a story walk around Wade Oval, with pages from kids books available to read while strolling around the park.

Coronavirus protocols will be in place, with attendance caps for some events, hand sanitizer stations and social distancing requirements, according to a press release. Face masks will be required at all YAY events for attendees who are two years old and older, according to a press release

Families can register for morning or afternoon sessions for specific activities at universitycircle.org/yay-saturdays.

“Wade Oval programs are typically styled as ‘come and go as you please’ but for the inaugural year of YAY, we’re implementing a registration process to help ensure the safety and health of our participants,” said David Robinson, manager of business services at UCI, in a press release. “After you check-in upon arrival, the Oval is yours to enjoy and explore. We and our partners are thrilled to offer Saturday mornings at Wade Oval as a new part of your family’s weekend routine.”

The YAY! Saturdays program is a part of University Circle Inc.’s “Your Community” outreach program. You can learn more about the initiative at universitycircle.org.

Original Article: https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2021/04/university-circle-inc-announces-family-fun-event-ser