The annual summer kick-off event to celebrate Columbus’ parks is Friday. April Williams, with Columbus Parks and Rec, says this event is a continuation of 2013’s “Race2Play” Initiative, put forward by the Columbus Park Foundation. That event saw improvements to four local parks and included the participation of celebrities Tony Stewart and Carter Oosterhouse, as well as other local community groups. Williams talks about the event…

Williams says that this continues with Friday’s event, set to begin at 4 p.m. at Ninth Street Park, Pence Place Park and Morningside Park. She adds that the Kiwanis will be putting on a cookout at each location and other area groups, like FFY and the Kids Commons are also expected to take part.

For more information, call Columbus Parks and Recreation.