Madalyn Guthrie, a leadership counselor for Grace Youth and Family Foundation, prepares to catch Alicia Harp, 6, of Butler as she jumps into the Alameda Park pool on Friday.

One of the few activities not canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Grace Youth and Family Foundation's Children's Summer Program had more than 200 participants this year.

The summer program gathers school-aged kids at three area parks— Rotary Park, Father Marinaro Park and Institute Hill Playground — five days a week for recreational and educational activities.

This year's program started June 15 with some initial hesitation from parents.At the time, the three parks were just beginning to reopen to the public, but Bill Halle, Grace Youth founder and CEO, said there were precautions in place that kept everyone in the program safe all summer.“We've had absolutely no issues,” Halle said.He said the program had more than 200 children from the community this year, although not all came every day.Every week, the kids spend three days at the parks focusing on education and two days at the Alameda Park pool focusing on recreation.The program concluded Friday with one final day at the pool.

Halle said parents were very happy that the program did not have to cancel.“Some of the parents here have communicated utter appreciation for what this has done for their kids,” Halle said.The one area the pandemic has affected the program, according to Halle, has been fundraising.Halle said the foundation has only raised about 65 percent of the cost of the program so far. Those interested can donate to the program at the Grace Youth and Family Foundation website, gyff.org.

Grace Youth and Family Foundation at Alameda Water Park

Madalyn Guthrie, a leadership counselor for Grace Youth and Famly Foundation, catches Alicia Harp, 6, of Butler after jumping into the Alameda Pool, Friday August 21, 2020.