Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • July 30, 2014 Just the other day I was approached by a resident who inquired about summer activ- ities in Midland Park and areas nearby. In addition to her own children, she was expecting a visit from family members who would be staying with her for about a week. To quote her: “Midland Park is defi- nitely a quiet little town, and I wish there were activities and places to go to share with my family and to create quality time with my children.” That put me to work in thinking about the various things any of us can do – especially when a youngster says, I'm bored and I have nothing to do.” Well, here is a selection of things any of us can do right with or without children according to the specific activity: We have parks! What about a quick picnic? Wortendyke Park Park and Dairy Street each have covered pavilions, play- grounds nearby and plenty of grass. Either place can be a good location for people (children) watching. For our seniors, seeing others’ children play and have fun can help to make up for not seeing their own grandchildren. Our Dairy Street Park has a brand new playground that is designed for all children, even those with special needs. Our Summer Camp Program is still underway with space for more children. Time is running short as August approaches. What about swimming? Midland Park res- idents are allowed to partake in swimming programs in Waldwick, Crestwood Lake in Allendale, Graydon Pool in Ridgewood plus the Bergen County swimming facil- ity at Darlington Park in Mahwah. Other parks nearby are Van Saun Park in Para- mus, with a zoo and a train ride, Overpeck Park in Leonia, and for your pets: The Dog Park in Ridgewood. For those looking for more adventure, Allendale offers the walking path at the Celery Farm. Mahwah has the Ramapo Mountain hiking paths and, of course, the Bergen County Park System has both walk- ing and bike riding paths from Ridgewood to South of Saddle Brook. The Midland Park Friends of the Library have been sponsoring Wednesday Night Band Concerts for the month of July. The Ridgewood Kasschau Shell has con- certs every Tuesday and Thursday evening for July and most of August. Hopefully, you still have some energy left because Midland Park hosts Commu- nity Day this year on Saturday, Sept. 6 with games for the children and food offered by our Fire Department. On the same day we will have a Family Day 5K Run/Walk sponsored by the MPPEF for the benefit of our high school programs. Yes, Midland Park is small in size, and yet we are big on activities and mutual sharing with our neighboring communi- ties. I think we do quite well, and I hope you agree.