Families flocked to Coney Island last weekend for its first-ever Family Day Block Party.
The was sponsored by the Alliance for Coney Island, Coney Island YMCA, NYC Parks Greenthumb, and Councilmember Mark Treyger (D–Coney Island), and festivities included face painting, music, snacks, contests, prize giveaways, and free classes like Zumba and other fitness training.
The block party coincided with the YMCA’s National Healthy Kids Day — the Y’s initiative to improve family health. The public was given free tours and classes to the new YMCA on Surf Ave. and 29th St.
The weekend also marked the beginning of the planting season for the Surfside Community Garden, and families were invited to roll up their sleeves and pitch in.
“We thought it would be a great opportunity to partner with they neighboring Surfside Community Garden and NYC Greenthumb to kick off planting season at the garden,” said Johanna Zaki, director of operations at the Alliance for Coney Island.
Zaki said the group was thrilled at the community’s participation, and plans to do all again next year.
“We felt the event was a great success and look forward to making it an annual event,” she said.
Prizes were donated by sponsors such as Applebees, the Brooklyn Cyclones and local businesses.
