Remember that incredible feeling of wind blowing through your hair as you flew through the air on your favorite swing, or the tickle that happened in your stomach as you swooshed to the bottom of the curly slide?

Remember skipping rope and the best game of chase tag that lasted all day, running until you couldn't run anymore and finding just the right shade tree to hide from the hot summer sun?Childhood memories such as these are ones that are never forgotten. They're logged deep in the history of the neighborhood parks amid the sandboxes and picnic tables, waiting for someone to bring them back to life. They grow with the laughter of the children and the chatter of adults who rest on the park benches.A park is a place of community, a familiar spot, where adventure is created and imagination is encouraged. Can it be true that in such a world as we share today, built up of electronic toys and always advancing technology, that such a wonderful concept of running and jumping for fun still exists? It does, and can be found in such places like the Tamaqua East End Park.This hidden treasure is located on Mountain Avenue in the east end section of Tamaqua. It's been creating memories within the community for years. Starting in the 1950's, the park has left a trail of Kickapoo tribe festivals, movie nights, sports events and great musical entertainment.The East End Park Committee wants to continue the tradition of celebrating the community spirit. The current committee members are President Steve Ulicny, Vice President Lisa Mace, and Secretary Penny Gursky, and they are looking forward to making a visit to the park a pleasant experience for everyone.The committee is inviting the residents to come and take advantage of the free entertainment and activities that are being planned for the park. Besides the rides, which include several swing sets, multiple slides, a colorful climb aboard train and a mysterious pirate ship that has docked in among the shady trees, there are also movie nights, concerts, and sports events on the summer schedule.Movie nights are always big events and this season will be no exception. First up was Toy Story, which opened the Movie night schedule on Monday. Next will be Up, showing on Monday, July 5, with the rain date of Tuesday. July 6.Movies will begin at 8:30 p.m. at the bandstand. Seating is available, but guests can bring blankets and chairs. The refreshment stand will be open with lots of tasty treats for sale. More movies will be announced in the future, so keep checking for details.There is also musical entertainment on the agenda. The schedule includes The Cressona Band, which will grace the stage on July 14 at 7 p.m., with a rain date of July 15. And there are plans to have an acoustic band perform in July, as well.For the sports enthusiasts there are two basketball leagues that will play at the park. The Marian League and the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission will utilize the facilities over the summer months.Kids are a big part of the park's survival and are always welcome as volunteers for spring and fall cleanup. Community service can be earned by helping maintain the appearance of the park, or doing one of the many functions it takes to keep the playground running. Local organizations are also welcome to join in and help preserve the park. To become involved with the parks activities or volunteer, please contact Penny Gursky at (570) 668-9055.The park survives because of community involvement and contributions. It doesn't matter whether you're young or young at heart, help and encouragement from the local residents are the lifelines to a successful season at the park. The committee wants people to know that whatever way they contribute, either by monetary donation, hands-on projects, or even volunteering some baked goods for the stand, it all adds up to great season of fun and enjoyment.A recent grass roots funraiser helped raised over $1,300. Several large donations were made and a lot of $5, $10 and $20 contributions were received.A special donation was made to honor the memory of John A. Howell, by his wife Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. Howell were original members of the playground committee and the Kickapoo tribe of East End Park. Mr. Howell was a past president and ran the movie nights on Wednesday. He and several other dedicated committee members were instrumental in the organization of the park.The East End Park Committee greatly appreciates all of the time and effort that is put into the parks continuous growth. They would sincerely like to thank the community for its outpouring of support and dedication through donations and volunteer services. And they invite everyone to come and enjoy the swings and the slides, the sports and the movies and make memories that will last forever.