According to the team’s owner and manager, Kayla Crosby, the Park Play with the Pros is designed to provide children with outdoor activities with the basketball players in a safe environment.

The program runs Monday through Friday, for children ages 6 to 14 at Jackson-Taylor Parkat 10th and Washington streets. The first camp ran from recently and activities included free play, corn hole, kickball, soccer, hide-and seek, ultimate frisbee, sharks-and-minnows, baseball and much more.

“The Jamestown Jackals professional athlete coaches and junior mentors encourage children to try multiple sports per-day,” said Crosby. “The children will be able to try new opportunities and have fun as they are physically active, in the outdoors.”

Crosby has also announced a tag-a-long program to follow the heels of the park program. The Jackals Free Play Zone is set to run from noon to 2 p.m. until the end of August on Fridays. Dates include July 19 and 26, August 2, 9, 16 and 23.

Professional basketball players with the Jamestown Jackals have a celebratory huddle with program participants, Tuesday afternoon, at Jackson-Taylor Park, to signify the end of a Park Play with the Pros Day. Submitted photos

“This is a completely free program, and open to all ages. Families are welcomed too,” she said.

These programs are funded in-part through the 2024 Summer Free Play Series of Project Play Western New York’s grant, and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Project Play WNY is driven and funded by Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation’s Youth Sports and Recreation focus area, in partnership with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. It is a collective impact model that includes more than individuals who are focused on ensuring all WNY kids can be active through sport.

“I think that Park Play with Pros is a great opportunity for some of us athletes to bond on a greater level with the community, rather than just for short moments of time before and/or after basketball games. As public influences, it’s amazing for some of these kids in the community to understand us and know us more than just as a professional athlete. I’ve really enjoyed being a part of this amazing organization. It’s been a grand time for me and the others a part of it as well. Being able to have fun with the kids and not worry about all the other little things is just an opportunity that is highly appreciated,” said TJ Square, a guard and a Cleveland, Ohio.

For more information visit the Jamestown Jackals official team Facebook page.