Parks After Dark returns with an enchanting Winter Wonderland experience that will bring holiday cheer and tons of snow to the El Cariso Community Regional Park in Sylmar next Saturday. This free, holiday action packed celebration is for the entire family and is bigger and better than ever before, with more snow, more toys, more craft activities and more fun.
Parks After Dark Snow Patrol teams, staffed by Parks and Recreation personnel, are ready to transform local parks into wintry paradises complete with sled runs, photo opportunities, snack stations, holiday treats and a craft village where children can decorate their own holiday stocking. Families should plan to arrive early at their local park for a toy giveaway for ages 0-17, while supplies last.
New this year to the Winter Wonderland experience is a Teen Zone where young adults can enjoy their own space to hang out with their friends, create and design art, listen to music, silkscreen holiday shirts and make their own personalized Santa hat.
Also beginning this year, selected parks will double their fun with Mega Snow days, which will bring up to 80 tons of snow to multiple parks, including El Cariso Park. The celebration in Sylmar takes place on Dec. 10 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The LA County Parks Winter Wonderland is possible due to the collaboration involving the Los Angeles Department of Social Services, Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and the LA County Probation Department.
“Parks After Dark events bring LA County communities together in their local park with family, friends and neighbors,” LA County Parks and Recreation Director Norma Edith García-González said. “The Winter Wonderland experience will give every LA County community an opportunity to have a memorable snow day experience and celebrate the joy of the holiday season.”
Parks After Dark, launched in 2010, is a prevention and intervention program with the purpose of providing multiple benefits to vulnerable communities, decreasing violence and crime and increasing social cohesion and community well-being. In 2018, Parks After Dark was recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association, which presented LA County Parks and Recreation with its Best in Innovation award.
For more information on Parks After Dark Winter Wonderland, visit https://parks.lacounty.gov/winterpad.