Picnic hosted by faith-based charity stresses 'community' in Natrona Community Park

Fun and Freedom Youth Sports, a Christian- based nonprofit based in the Tarentum area, hosted a free community picnic at Natrona Community Park in Harrison on Saturday evening.

Youths from across Western Pennsylvania flocked to the Alle-Kiski Valley to play dodge ball, enjoy snacks and meet new friends.

Crisp watermelon and cool iced tea helped keep picnickers refreshed under a sweltering sun.

State Game Warden Madison Pugh led talks about bears and brought a bear trap to the park. She also educated the kids about how the state Game Commission manages and protects wildlife.

It was the fourth picnic presented by the charity so far this summer.

“It’s to draw families, kids, the community, to have some fun, enjoy some food (and) enjoy some exercise,” said Penny Houston, Fun and Freedom board member.

The group was founded in 2003 by the late Deeni Riddle, a retired Springdale High School teacher and renown basketball coach. They have hosted events in the Harrison park since 2010.

“There was a need for kids to get out and get their energy out on a positive note and make friendships,” said board member Lori Sakala. “Most of the kids are in the house. Nobody seems to want to come out. They’re all on video games.

”We were doing (activities) during the day, but due to the heat, we moved it to evenings. We wanted to get more families involved along with the kids.”

Emma Winkler, 15, of Springdale has participated in the organization’s programs for the past eight years. She became one of its youth leaders and coaches last year.

“Whenever I was younger I used to do it, and now I get to see the new generation of kids come and see it,” the high school sophomore said. “I just like to raise them how I was raised. It’s great to see them have fun with sports and stuff.

“I just moved here when I was in second grade and saw a flyer for the day camp. I thought it was a great way to meet people, and ever since I was in the program. This is a great way to meet kids, and I like helping them. I really like to see them smile and make their day.”

Youths at Saturday’s picnic got a new T-shirt to mark the occasion.