Kids of all backgrounds should have an opportunity to meet Mother Nature. While a nature equity gap exists for many Blacks and Hispanics nationwide, no such claim holds water for these groups in Trenton and Mercer County which have an abundance of accessible parks, waterways, and paths. A recent Trenton River Days festival delivered an outdoor classroom of learning during an event at South Riverwalk Park, located off Route 29. The under-used space offers a beautiful walk near the Delaware River. True story. Several years back a walk in South Riverwalk Park delivered an impromptu meeting with an executive director of a popular local non-profit. He talked about enjoyment felt while walking through South Riverwalk. The non-resident confessed that friends felt he needed a checkup from the neck up for risking his safety. “I’ve never had a problem,” he said. Still, being safe remains a key incentive no matter where anyone walks or jogs. An isolated path in the woods can present similar concerns as a walk in urban areas. Anyway, River Days attracted a diverse crowd, including the Marks family of Trenton. Wonderful to see parents making time to enjoy and experience the great outdoors. Turn off the television and music. Leave video games behind and get outside this weekend. Here’s a couple of activities that sound fantastic, beginning with a birthday celebration. On Saturday, October 12th the Tulpehaking Nature Center will host a birthday party to celebrate ten years of service to Mercer County residents. According to Mercer County officials, party lasts from 12-noon until 4 p.m. at the Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Ave., Hamilton, N.J. 08610. The event is open to the public, free for all attendees, and family-friendly for children of all ages. Activities will include animal presentations, guided nature walks, live music, cake and ice cream. County Executive Dan Benson will be on hand to welcome residents and offer remarks on the important role Tulpehaking Nature Center plays in Mercer County. Operated by the Mercer County Park Commission, Tulpehaking Nature Center (TNC) is situated at the edge of John A. Roebling Memorial Park in Hamilton Township and serves as the educational gateway to the Abbott Marshlands. TNC’s offerings include award-winning school programs, homeschool and scout programs, and opportunities for seniors, children, and families to connect with the natural world. Mercer County’s investments in the TNC have paid dividends for the natural environment and for local residents. Today neighbors report that the area is cleaner and safer than it was a decade ago. And thousands of Mercer residents have benefitted from the programs and resources that TNC offers. “I grew up in Hamilton’s Broad Street Park neighborhood, and it’s been great to see how the Tulpehaking Nature Center has enriched the community over ten years,” said County Executive Dan Benson. “I’m excited to celebrate Tulpehaking’s birthday, and can’t wait to see what the next ten years bring!” ************* George Page Park (here’s a place that could use a name change) sites the second annual “Get the Lead Out of Trenton event on Saturday, October 12, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Expect a plethora of health organizations with worthy information about lead, including the Capital Health mobile unit to test for lead in children and adults. Wait for it. The event includes BBQ food from the world famous 1911 Smokehouse, funnel cakes (yum), face painting and bingo. George Page Park is located near N.Clinton Ave. and Lawrence St. near Hetzel Pool. While there, check out the nearby Assunpink Creek, a beautiful, bubbly waterway. And, guess what? George Page Park is only four miles from Tulpehaking Nature Center — just a 10-minute ride. Pardon my feel like famous Ernie Banks, a famous Black Chicago Cubs star who allegedly offered — Let’s Play Two! regarding his love for baseball and the anticipation of a doubleheader. Me? 1911Smokehouse BBQ, a funnel cake, greetings to all “Get the Lead Out of Trenton”participants, including lead activist Shereyl Snider, a visit to the banks of the Assunpink, then hustling to Tulpehaking Nature Center for music, cake and ice cream. Sounds a bit much? Exactly. By the way, the George Page Park playground ranks as the most popular in the City of Trenton. L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected].