Saturday marked the 18th annual Big Day of Play put on by the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation. The annual event took place at Rainier Playfield and Mt. Baker Rowing Center and brought community organizations, families, vendors and more out to the park to get moving. 

“Big Day of Play is so important because we need to get the community out and involved again,” Seattle Parks Community Engagement Coordinator Deja’Nay Gilliam said. “We’re so excited to help build that connection and provide access to resources and play.”

The Get Moving Initiative, which sponsors Big Day of Play, encourages recreation, health & wellness, and more in communities which have health disparities. Gilliam said this year’s event was a success and she’s proud of the turnout, which was up 183% from last year.

“Our numbers were off the charts,” Gilliam said. “I think it’s built on the traditions we’ve had in the past and we continue to build on that.”

She was especially excited about new organizations, vendors and communities which hadn’t been featured before. 

“Seattle’s had a crazy summer this year, and you can really feel that in the community this year,” Gilliam said. “I can’t wait to make it even bigger next year. This is where we get it poppin’ and we get out and celebrate community.”

You can keep up with Seattle Parks on their page @seattleparks and learn more about the Get Moving initiative on their website https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-u...  

This segment originally aired on Back2Besa with Besa Gordon on Saturday, August 26th. Make sure to tune in every Saturday at 10:30 pm on Seattle’s FOX 13 and watch the replay every Sunday at 10 am on FOX 13+.