The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Rho Omega Omega Chapter is hosting its Playground Impact Day at James L. Newkirk Memorial Park this weekend

This Saturday, members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. are looking forward to seeing James L. Newkirk park filled with children having fun. The Rho Omega Omega Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is hosting its 1908 Playground Impact Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at the park, 503 Ferrell St. Prizes donated by local businesses will be distributed too.

During the free event, families and guests will have the opportunity to enjoy food, a cotton candy machine, face painting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and a DJ. There will also be a raffle for prizes. A Zumba session for men and women will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. The Sampson Middle School Step Team is also scheduled to perform.

The event is a part of the sorority’s national initiative to restore, refresh and renew parks throughout the world. As a part of its Impact Day, the sorority plans to mobilize 1908 playgrounds.

Organizer Nicole Edwards said she would like to see a lot of people attend the event and enjoy the park.

“I’m truly honored to be a part of this movement,” Edwards said about working with others to make the park a better place.

Edwards said the organization is partnering with the city’s Park and Recreation Department and the park’s community committee.

“This is something we’re continuing for the next three years,” she said about the four-year project to improve Newkirk. “We’ll have activities throughout the four years and we’ll be doing different projects. Right now, we’re getting the people out there and putting something fun in the park.”

Community members who grew up near the park were invited to speak about their experiences and the park’s changes over the years.

“When I spoke with most of them, they said it was a park that used to be very lively,” Edwards pointed out. “Then it just took a downturn. Now they’re wanting to get the same positive vibes back again and have more children out there.”

Edwards hope everyone involved takes advantage of the amenities, such as the walking trail. She said it provides health benefits as well as being a convenient location for nearby residents.

“People are getting out there and walking more,” Edwards said. “They don’t have to drive all the way to Royal Lane just to exercise.”

The sorority plans to paint some of the benches, tables and produce a recycling project at Newkirk.

Marilyn Powell-Godette, local chapter president, said it’s a wonderful opportunity and partnership for possible future activities at the park.

“Everyone is looking forward to it,” Powell-Godette said.

For more information or for volunteer information, contact Edwards at 910-551-5041 or by email at [email protected]

“This is an opportunity for the community to come together and we welcome volunteers to come out and help us,” Powell-Godette said. “We welcome that support from our community.”