The Hannibal Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Playground program appears to be an awesome opportunity for local kids and their parents.

Summer playground opened July 6 at Eugene Field Elementary School, and my daughter has attended at least a portion of each of the three days. The activities are well organized and well monitored. The kids ages 5-12 are kept busy and entertained from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The fact that they can attend all or part of the day — and do so free of charge — is a wonderful service for the children and for their working parents, especially in what is a difficult time economically for so many.

Kudos to the parks department and the city of Hannibal for such a positive program.