ST. GEORGE — In celebration of Grandparents’ Day this weekend, Thunder Junction All Abilities Park in St. George had a special deal for grandparents Saturday.
Tokens good for one ride aboard the park’s popular train, which makes a loop around the park every 15 minutes or so, normally cost $1. But on Saturday, grandparents got to ride the train free with a paying grandchild. That same afternoon, the park also had several games and activities set up for grandparents and their grandchildren.
Grandparents’ Day, which has been observed nationally since 1978, officially falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Although overall public awareness of the holiday remains low, that shouldn’t stop grandparents from having an excuse to spend more time with their grandkids.
As usual, the popular park was bustling with activity throughout the day Saturday, as many folks gathered to watch kids of all ages play on various playground attractions, including slides, swings, teeter-totters, water features and climbing structures.
All morning long, parents, grandparents and kids hopped aboard the train, with many taking multiple rides. Scott, who was working as the train’s conductor, said he’d noticed numerous grandparents taking rides with their young descendants in tow.
Dale and Sue Porter of St. George said that while they were unaware it was Grandparents’ Day this weekend, they often enjoy coming to the park with their grandchildren. Saturday was extra special, as it was their granddaughter Ivy’s second birthday. Ivy and her two siblings enjoyed playing on the playground and riding the train.
Also at the park were several members of the Eresuma and Torghele families from the Salt Lake area. As avid University of Utah football fans, they were all dressed in red Utes gear but said they’d be recording tonight’s Utah vs. BYU game to watch later because they would all be attending “Mamma Mia!” at Tuacahn Amphitheatre – three generations – even the grandkids.
The popular park is nearing its first anniversary and there will be a big birthday party held Oct. 7, Tiffany Evans, the city’s Thunder Mountain specialist, said.
Resources
- Thunder Junction All Abilities Park, 1851 S. Dixie Drive, St. George | Main office telephone 435-627-4500 | Train depot telephone 435-627-4575.
- Open daily 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | Train operates Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-2p.m. (Hours are subject to change based on season, maintenance and weather.)
- More information: Thunder Junction Facebook page | website.
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St. George's Thunder Junction All Abilities Park had special activities in honor of Grandparents' Day Saturday, St. George, Utah, Sept. 9, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News St. George's Thunder Junction All Abilities Park had special activities in honor of Grandparents' Day Saturday. St. George, Utah, Sept. 9, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News St. George's Thunder Junction All Abilities Park had special activities in honor of Grandparents' Day Saturday, St. George, Utah, Sept. 9, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News St. George's Thunder Junction All Abilities Park had special activities in honor of Grandparents' Day Saturday, St. George, Utah, Sept. 9, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News Dale and Sue Porter enjoyed spending time with their granddaughter, Ivy, on Ivy's second birthday at Thunder Junction All Abilities Park Saturday. St. George, Utah, Sept. 9, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News St. George's Thunder Junction All Abilities Park had special activities in honor of Grandparents' Day Saturday, St. George, Utah, Sept. 9, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
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