‘Let’s turn it on.?
Kid Rock’s words signified the grand opening of the Renee Przybylski Memorial Spraypark before an audience of more than 3,500 people at Clintonwood Park Sept. 12.
An afternoon of activities, family fun and a chance to try the park for the first time kept residents entertained while they celebrated the park’s debut.
‘This is an amazing turnout and an amazing day,? Michele Przybylski said.
Continuing the good-nature theme of the afternoon, Palace Sports and Entertainment brought out activities and Showoffs Body Art kept park enthusiasts decorated with pretend tattoos.
Members of the Spraypark committee took turns addressing the crowd about the park’s history and what it took to complete it.
‘This project has brought about a circle of goodness that has touched our hearts,? Michele said. ‘Little did we know how far the goodness, and the goodness of others, would reach.?
Michele spoke about the history of the Spraypark and how the idea came about.
‘I was personally in favor of this project because I knew it was something all families could enjoy,? Michele said.
While committee members were individually recognized and given a yellow rose, Kelly Arcello, Independence Township Parks and Recreation and committee co-chair, gave her own thoughts on the park’s completion.
‘I can’t tell you how cool this is to see Clarkston come together for such a neat project,? Arcello said.
Independence Township Parks and Recreation Director Mike Turk reflected on the community pride present in the park.
‘This is a great community pride project. When we come together as a community, anything and everything can happen,? Turk said. ‘What a great vision this is. This is your community, your success story. Be proud of it.?
As excitement grew for the inaugural ‘run? of the park, Kid Rock addressed the audience. Kid Rock and the Palace of Auburn Hills donated $60,000 to help the committee reach its fund-raising goal in March of this year.
Kid Rock found out about the project after his son heard about it at school.
‘To be able to write a check was the easy part,? Kid Rock said.
With the dedication comments complete, the first wave of patrons entered the park for the debut. Wristbands were given out in groups to make sure everyone in attendance had the opportunity to try the park for 15 minutes as members of the Parks and Recreation Department kept a watchful eye.
‘It was fun. The thing that dumps water on your head is really hard,? Hailey Bondy said.
Not only were young Spraypark enthusiasts excited about the park, but adults were impressed as well.
‘I’m totally impressed,? John Zittel said. ‘You have to be proud. Just look at the kids having fun. I think it’s going to be a hit for years.?
Zittel’s son, Ryan, had similar positive feedback.
‘It was really good,? Ryan Zittel said. ‘I liked that thing that comes at you and squirts at you.?
Arcello was pleased with the dedication’s success and the good reception the park received on its first day.
‘It was excellent. I couldn’t have imagined it,? Arcello said. ‘So many people came up to me and said, ‘This is Clarkston.? I totally agree.?
Even Kid Rock tried out the equipment personalized with his name’s logo as the park opened.
‘It’s a work of art,? Kid Rock said in reference to the personalized piece.
The park is now open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., weather permitting, daily. Babies wearing diapers must wear swim covers. Swim shoes are permitted in the park. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (248) 625-8223.