Freshmen Briana Gantz and Faith Hilty enjoy spending time at Centennial Park. Photo by: Lauren Rearick
By Lauren Rearick
Located at the heart of the Plymouth community, Centennial Park provides entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages, including several PHS students.
From the public pool and tennis courts to the baseball diamonds and walking trails, the park allows students to enjoy their favorite activities. Freshman Briana Gantz said, “Sometimes on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer, I go to the park pool with the Boys and Girls Club to swim.” Fellow freshman Faith Hilty also enjoys swimming at the public pool on hot summer days. “I usually get a pool pass and go swimming every day,” Hilty said.
The pool seems to be a popular part of the park, along with the beautiful walking trails. Hilty said, “I love to walk on the park trails, and they are also a great place to run.” Gantz also spends time on the trails. “I always run when we go to my grandma’s house during the summer. I like to run the trails while I listen to my iPod,” Gantz said. Sophomore Amber Redinger takes walks on the trails as often as she can. “I walk on the trails whenever I get the chance.”
While the pool and trails are favorite parts of Centennial Park, there are many other activities that PHS students enjoy. Redinger said, “I love jumping off the swings and sliding down the slides at the playground.” Hilty said that she likes to walk along the river on summer afternoons. Sophomore Katie Galloway goes to the park almost every day, where she enjoys swinging and picnicking.
Not only does Centennial Park provide students with entertainment, it also gives them an opportunity to help others and the community. Gantz said, “In the summer, I used to participate in the children’s Big Red 3 Marathon, but now I help the little kids with it.” Redinger also dedicates her time to summer park programs. “I help score youth basketball games,” Redinger said.
After spending so much time at the park, some PHS students have suggestions about what could be added to Centennial in order to make it a better place. Galloway said, “More drinking fountains and more benches would make the park better.” Gantz suggested, “I think they should have more activities and send people letters saying what, where, and when the activities are.”