By DANIEL MOCTEZUMA
The Belton Journal
Parents and children gathered at Heritage Park last Thursday for a fun-filled morning at the Popsicle Craft Playdate.
The event, which started at 10:30 a.m., featured a special visit from the Belton Fire Department. Children delighted in exploring the fire truck and taking photos on it.
The popsicle craft activity, a highlight of the event, captivated the children’s interest.
“They get a sponge and a popsicle stick, and they get to decorate it with different felt. Either they can do confetti or sprinkles, or they can do a fudge dip design, and then just stick it on there,” explained Murray Fillip, who coordinates events like this and was helping with the craft that day.
Dana Halliburton, organizer of the event and owner of the Temple Belton Salado territory for Fit4Mom, shared insights into their programs.
“We offer fitness programs for moms at every stage of motherhood. We bridge the gap between moms not wanting to leave their kids in daycare at a traditional gym and not wanting to sacrifice that time with them,” Halliburton said. Fit4Mom provides classes seven days a week, including family workout days on Saturdays and mom-only classes on Sunday mornings.
Halliburton emphasized the community aspect of Fit4Mom, noting that they host weekly playdates, STEM activities, educational crafts, scavenger hunts, and moms’ meet-ups at First Street Roasters every Tuesday after class.
“We want the moms to feel like they’re supported. It’s just a way for us to get together,” she said.
She also highlighted the importance of offering free playdates for moms, ensuring they still have that community connection even if they don’t participate in the workouts.
Jessica Weber, a participant, shared her positive experience.
“Today was my first class, but I like that I can involve my kids in exercise and still have some me time. They can join along and build a community,” Weber said, adding that she enjoyed conversing with other moms.
The event also offered educational moments for the children, who learned about fire safety and the equipment used by firemen.
“By doing these playdates, the kids get to learn all the equipment that the firemen use, fire safety, seeing all the equipment that they put on,” Halliburton noted.
The Popsicle Craft Playdate and the visit from the Belton Fire Department provided a memorable experience for both kids and parents, blending fun, fitness, and education in a supportive community environment.
