Hundreds attend 'block party'

Organizers estimate that 500-600 people attended a block party held Saturday at the Fort Scott Aquatic Center and other nearby locations. The celebration, which included activities at the pool, skatepark, Buck Run Community Center, Fisher Park and The Keyhole, was hosted by the city of Fort Scott and the Youth Activities Team.(Jason E. Silvers/Tribune)

Hundreds of people attended an end-of-summer bash Saturday night hosted by the city of Fort Scott and the Youth Activities Team, organizers said.

Despite an overcast sky and rain and lightning that halted some activities briefly, organizers said an estimated 500-600 people took part in the block party, which was held to celebrate many community accomplishments this year, including the opening of the new skatepark and aquatic center, the expansion at Buck Run Community Center and the replacement of lights at Fisher Park.

"Given the weather, I was very impressed with the turnout," co-organizer Macy Cullison said.

A youngster splashes into the pool after coming down the water slide at the Fort Scott Aquatic Center during a block party.(Jason E. Silvers/Tribune)

The most popular activities included miniature golf and inflatables that were available in the aquatic center parking lot, Cullison said.

The YAT and city joined forces to plan the celebration rather than conduct two separate events, Cullison said.

"The YAT has done this event in the past," she said. "The city wanted to throw a big bash for everything that has happened in that corridor. Instead of two parties, we partnered and did it all together. I was very pleased with how smoothly everything went."

A local youth tries to sink her putt on the mini golf course set up in the aquatic center parking lot during the event.(Jason E. Silvers/Tribune)

Free activities included a skate exhibition at the skatepark, water games and open swim time at the swimming pool, contests at Buck Run and Fisher Park, drawings for prizes and a street dance hosted by The Keyhole.

City Manager Dave Martin was among volunteers working at the event, greeting residents and handing out complimentary Fort Scott Aquatic Center bags. He worked alongside various city staff and commissioners who helped served a dinner of hot dogs, chips and drinks in the aquatic center parking lot.

"It was really good to see all the citizens there," he said.

Youngsters sit on the edge of the swimming pool to watch a diving board contest at the Fort Scott Aquatic Center during the end-of-summer bash.(Jason E. Silvers/Tribune)

YAT member Tom Robertson, who also worked at the event, said it celebrates the YAT's focus -- creating and improving recreation for youth in the community.

"I felt like things went very well," he said. "We had a good response with community support ... It's definitely something we stand for and represent."

Robertson said 15 middle school kids signed up for the racquetball tournament held on the new court at Buck Run.

City officials give out free goodies at Saturday's block party, held Saturday to celebrate completion of the new aquatic center, expansion to Buck Run Community Center, new lights at Fisher Park and the new skatepark. Organizers estimate that 500-600 people attended, despite the overcast skies.(Jason E. Silvers/Tribune)

He estimated about 30 youngsters ranging in age from 5 to middle school participated in the basketball skills challenge that evening at Buck Run.

The skills challenge was a timed event in which participants could shoot from designated spots with each spot having a different point value. Winners were awarded T-shirts, Robertson said.

Nearly 30 youth played in a kickball tournament for middle and high school kids held at the Fisher Park fields.

Cullison said organizers received "lots of really good help" with the event from various organizations. The Fort Scott High School Tiger football team set up the mini golf course, while the Fort Scott Community College baseball team took it down. FSCC staff worked at the raffle ticket table and members of the FSHS PRIDE group worked at the Spinning Turbo ride and the inflatable attractions.

Various local businesses helped by sponsoring different aspects of the celebration, Cullison said.

"The city and YAT were very happy to put it on," she said.