Local neighborhoods and the Owensboro Parks and Recreation are both encouraging people to help keep children stay active and entertained as COVID-19 continues to affect normal life.
Katie Pagan said she saw a Facebook post about a neighborhood “bear hunt” and reached out to some neighbors last week. It involves putting teddy bears on windows or somewhere in front of the house for children to find.
“It’s just having a reason to give the kids something to do while they’re out for a walk to make it fun,” Pagan said. “It looks like several different neighborhoods have found it and picked it up.”
Pagan reported that teddy bears of different shapes and sizes have since popped up all over town including on W. 15th Street, Griffith Avenue, Spring Bank and Lake Forest neighborhoods.
With schools shut down, non-essential businesses closed and people told to social distance, Pagan said the bear hunt has been a delightful distraction from the new normal with COVID-19.
On Tuesday, the City’s parks and recreation department came up with a similar activity but not with teddy bears.
The “rainbow challenge” involves putting a rainbow in the window for people to find.
“The intent of the challenge is to spread hope in this unprecedented and unfamiliar time in our community,” said Amanda Rogers, director of OPR. “Rainbows are a symbol of hope. They are bright and cheerful. Our hope through this challenge is that our citizens remember brighter times are ahead and we are all one community.”
Rogers said a team member shared the idea.
“We believe this may spark joy for children and families in our community. And, we intend for this challenge will be a fun way to stay active while practicing social distancing,” Rogers said.
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