Family members all came together for the fun day, on Saturday, July 28. Bulletin photoby Chris Frost COMPTON—Hub City residents flocked to Gonzales Park on Saturday, July 28, as kids of all ages took part in Family Fun Day.

The event, sponsored by Councilwoman Janna Zurita, featured karaoke, potato sack races, T-ball and portraits for participants.

“I have to give credit to interim Parks and Recreation Director Marvin Hunt for coming up with all the activities,” Zurita Liaison Kera Joe said. “We partnered with his team, and the kids had a great time today.”

Groups in attendance included the Compton Divas cheerleading squad, a group that lends enthusiastic support to many local events.

“My daughter joined nine months ago, and she enjoys socializing with all the girls,” Nicole Minters said. “I go to practice, and help out with fundraising events.”

Fun and creativity attracted Nayloni Minters to the squad.

The Divas cheerleading squad show off their spirit during Family Fun Day on July 28. Bulletin photos by Chris Frost “I can be myself when I cheer,” she said.

The program requires dedication and practice every day, Nayloni said, and she is setting her sights on the high school cheer squad.

“I do toe-touches and work on the routines we learn at practice,” she said. “We compete against other squads, which builds my skills and confidence.”

Nicole Minters never cheered as a youngster, but she supports her daughter’s efforts.

“The Angels had a terrific T-ball game today,” Coach Gerald Brown said. “We take a different approach, pitch overhand, and never use the batting tee. Compton baseball fields remain the biggest challenge because many of them are in poor condition.”

City Council members need to team up with the community, Brown said, and rededicate the parks.

Interim Parks and Recreation Director Marvin Hunt welcomes kids of all ages to Family Fun Day on Saturday, July 28. “We can get it done,” he said. “I look at Jackie Robinson Park and consider it embarrassing that an icon has his name tied to a run-down facility.”

Third-grader Gamari Brown said third base is a terrific position.

“Picking up ground balls is something I am good at,” he said. “My teammates get base-hits and I hit home runs.”

Compton Angels team mom Kiesha Lawrence said parents want what is best for all the children, and she is proud to help the city’s future leaders develop into outstanding adults.

“Our team prays before every game,” she said. “God protects all our children.”

Busy households require teamwork to keep kids engaged, Queen Burnett-Brown said, and children should always come first.

The Dixon family smile for the camera during the Family Fun Day held by City Councilwoman Janna Zurita. “I have two wonderful grandchildren at this event,” she said. “We all go the extra mile and support them every way we can. I put my personal needs aside, and make sure they have money for uniforms, field trips and whatever else comes along.”

Hunt said Family Fun Day caps off an exciting year for the Compton Parks and Recreation Department.

“We have more than 300 kids and parents here today enjoying a delicious meal,” he said. “This event promotes positive community activities and better choices than life on the street.”

More youth-based fun is in development for the fall, Hunt said, and flag football is coming to the Hub City.

“We expect more kids participating in flag football than we had for T-ball this summer,” he said. “Youth sports coordinators Ryan Parker and Curtis Boulden are positive role models and the backbone of this organization. They do a great job keeping everyone informed.”

A hungry group of Angels are ready for lunch during the family fun day celebration on Saturday. There are more sponsored activities coming from Zurita, including the Let’s Move Compton event scheduled for September.

“This is going to be a fun, exercise-oriented event for everyone,” Joe said. “Janna looks forward to participating in this healthy community activity.”

Call 310-605-5688 for more information about the recreation programs offered in Compton.