A New Focus on Recreation for Radnor

Radnor Township's Recreation and Community Programming Department held six new or revamped events in 2012 — from a father and daughter dance to Shakespeare in the Park.

The shift in programming is part of a larger change that the department, formerly called the Parks and Recreation Department, has been undergoing since 2011.

"We want to get more people in the community getting out and enjoying the parks and facilities," said department director Tammy Cohen. And free events help with that. All of the costs for the department's events are either covered by sponsorships or from extra monies from within the department.

The department hopes to help businesses promote themselves by offering vendor spaces at a new event scheduled for April 21, Wheels of Wayne, a car and bike show to be held in downtown Wayne.

There is also an event in the works for May in collaboration with the Radnor Memorial Library that would allow children to touch and climb emergency responder and public works vehicles.

A first-ever Mystery Dinner Theater event scheduled for Jan. 26 in the Willows mansion is sold out, Cohen said, adding that it was an event idea that had been simmering since 2000.

The annual Holiday at the Willows, a December tradition for years, this year was capped off by fireworks. This summer, fireworks will make an appearance at another new event — a large-scale concert at The Willows.

"We have great ideas, and we've been able to bring them to life," she said. Cohen said the department always appreciates event suggestions from the public.

• Spring Extravaganza

• Movie Night

• Shakespeare in the Park

• Night at the Ball Park

• Daddy/Daughter Dance

• Great Pumpkin Patch