‘Pediatric Day’ at DPA Oct. 5

Discovery Park of America and Pediatric Place, of Union City, Tenn., are partnering Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to provide information about a wealth of resources and services available to children in this area. There will be vendors and organizations located throughout the park with information, fun activities for kids and plenty of swag for both children and adults during Pediatric Day at Discovery Park of America.

“This is an opportunity for parents to learn the latest in health trends, educational resources and special services available for children and their families,” said Dr. John Bates, pediatrician at the Pediatric Place in Union City. “We envision kids, parents and grandparents coming together for a fun day to learn more about how to keep their kids happy, healthy and safe.”
As the sponsor of Pediatric Day, Pediatric Place of Union City is paying the admission for all children ages 17 and under. “We want to encourage families to come to Pediatric Day together to explore all the resources we have in the area to enrich their lives,” Bates said.
According to Polly Brasher who works in education at the park, there will be everything from ambulances to helicopters at Discovery Park on Pediatric Day. “Our mission at Discovery Park is to inspire children and adults to discovery new things in a fun and interactive way. We want children to climb into the back of an ambulance, get in the life-flight helicopter and be up close to firetrucks and emergency personal,” Brasher said. “So, then, if they ever have to experience an emergency transport, maybe they won’t be so scared.”

The list of services and agencies who will be set up at Discovery Park on Oct. 5 is growing daily. In addition to emergency vehicles and personnel, guests will be able to meet with representatives from Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, BMH- UC, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Safe Kids of West Tennessee, Carl Perkins Center, the Department of Children’s Services, UT Martin, Youth Villages and many others. “Our goal is that this day will provide parents the tools and resources that they need to serve their children now and make their future better,” Bates said. “There will be fun activities at many of the booths for the kids, and great educational materials for both children and parents.”