Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • August 10, 2011 MIDLAND PARK SIDEWALK SALE DAYS Thursday, Friday & Saturday, August 11,12 & 13  Sponsored by the Midland Park Chamber of Commerce After a slower start than in previous years, Midland Park’s summer recreation program ended last week with a stronger participation than ever, according to borough officials. Borough Administrator Addie Hanna said that a total of 340 children registered, many for more than one week. In fact, said Councilman Scott Pruiksma, the council’s recreation liaison, many families signed up their children for additional weeks once the program was underway. Another plus this year, said Hanna, was that nearly 40 children from Waldwick signed up for the program, providing additional revenue. Waldwick discontinued its summer camp program last year, and Midland Park encouraged their attendance this Summer recreation camp ends on a high note year. Pruiksma noted that the staff was particularly conscious of keeping the children comfortable during the heat wave. Giant slides were brought in weekly during two extended days, supplemented by sprinklers, obstacle courses with water and a “bucket brigade.” The program was headed by Ryan Fells, following the resignation earlier this year of former Recreation Director Lori Dent. Fells was assisted by Ali Brian and Jerry Mercadante as assistant coordinators, and Ed Gordon as facility director. Overall supervision was provided by the borough’s new recreation coordinator, Kathy LaMonte, who came aboard last month. “It’s gone very well. It’s run smoothly. Campers enjoy various activites at this summer’s recreation program. The campers had a good time, and the parents signed up for extra weeks – that speaks to their satisfaction,” said Fells. “Parents appreciated the rolling registration – not having a deadline before the season started,” added Gordon. Enrollment was about the same every week, he said, even though it competed with religious education classes, Cooperstown tournament travel, football camp and vacation for the attendees. Children in grades 1 through 8 enjoyed arts and crafts, field events, tag games, flag football, Frisbee golf and kickball, among other activities. Most popular, particularly with the older children, were the tournaments, including waffle ball, ladder ball and ping-pong. Tennis and volleyball instruction were also offered, according to Fells, who is a physical education teacher in a Bergen County district during the school year. The six-week camp ended Friday, with a counselor appreciation lunch and a special “snowcone machine” offered for the children to celebrate the occasion.