MARC JACOBS
Hutch Rec
Third Thursday festivities, summer aquatics programs and a new concert series are all part of a busy summer lineup planned by Hutch Rec, according to Assistant Executive Director Amy Conkling.
Among the featured attractions at this month's Third Thursday will be the Reno County Sheriff’s Office Torch Run, Salvation Army Donut Day activities, a special geocaching preview event tied to the upcoming GeoWoodstock gathering, food trucks and live music.
Conkling said Hutch Rec has also expanded Third Thursday activities by adding an after-hours concert series.
“We do not stop when the fun is at 8 o’clock,” Conkling said. “It does not end, it continues with this concert series.”
Steel Scarecrow is scheduled to perform in Chester I. Lewis Plaza beginning at 7:30 p.m. and continuing until about 9 or 9:30 p.m.
Conkling said Third Thursday continues to serve as a way to showcase downtown Hutchinson and encourage residents from across the city to visit the area.
“We really do love showcasing downtown,” Conkling said. “We are trying to bring as many events downtown into those areas of town to force people maybe out of their bubbles and to experience the great thing that we have going in downtown Hutchinson.”
She added that Hutch Rec has shifted vendor expectations away from simply distributing flyers and toward more interactive activities designed to engage visitors.
Beyond Third Thursday, Conkling outlined several upcoming summer recreation programs, including the opening of Salt City Splash on May 23. Regular summer hours will run Tuesday through Sunday from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., with Memorial Day being the only Monday opening of the season.
Hutch Rec is currently selling season pool passes and preparing for summer swim lessons, which begin in June.
“I think every kid should learn how to swim,” Conkling said. “It’s a life-saving skill.”
In addition to the swim lessons, the organization also offers junior lifeguard programs and American Red Cross lifeguard certification training for teens and American Red Cross lifeguard certification training for teens interested in working at the aquatic center.
Summer camps and youth programs are also returning, including the long-running Dillon Nature Center adventure camp, along with state-licensed child care and enrichment classes for children, adults and seniors.
Conkling also announced a new “Final Fridays” concert series beginning May 29 at DCI Park at Second and Main. The free concert series will kick off with a performance by the Hutchinson Municipal Band at 7 p.m.