Pic(nic) of the Litter

IIN DUBLIN, summer means a wide variety of activities, events and occasions.

It means the Memorial Tournament, the Frog Jump, the Dublin Art Fair, the Dublin Irish Festival and a whole lot more in the way of special events.

But it also means opportunities to enjoy the little things, like outdoor meals and activities, more time with the family, and lots of open spaces. So why not enjoy them all at once with a picnic?

Dublin Life Magazine asked some people you might recognize what they do during the summer when it’s perfect picnic weather.

Janet Cooper Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Dublin Arts Council

Where to go: Scioto Park – “I would choose a Sundays at Scioto summer concert.”

What to bring: Lots of fluids, lighter foods like cheese, crackers and fruit; “I probably wouldn’t be one of the people in the audience who carries the heavy pizzas in.”

Who to take: Family first and foremost, “but it could be a friend depending on the music being played that week.”

Picnicking memories: One particular couple whose group is always growing brings in a table and Buckeye gear; “They get there very early and play cards and picnic, and they sit way up at the top of the hill to get that precious early-on shade.”

Scott Dring Executive Director, Dublin Convention

and Visitors Bureau

Where to go: The north and south Dublin Community Pools, as well as locations such as Scioto Park and Ballantrae; “We’re always looking for big, wideopen green spaces.”

What to bring: Turkey sandwiches for the adults, juice boxes and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the kids; “The peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are always a hit with the kids in our family.”

The Dublin Arts Council’s Sundays at Scioto concert series offers families a chance to experience live music as they picnic.

Who to take: His wife and their three children, in grades one, three and four, as well as any other guests; “Sometimes other parents like to meet us.”

Patty Rinella Adult Program Supervisor/Senior Services, City of Dublin

Where to go: Ballantrae Community Park, “where the bunnies are, because my grandkids like it out there.”

What to bring: Fruit, milk or water and “anything peanut butter.”

Who to take: Her grandchildren, ages 7 and 9 – “You can play soccer, you can do cartwheels, you can just sit in the grass.”

Picnicking memories: Rinella has been taking the grandkids out to Ballantrae since it opened and has a picture of them there for every year; “Even though they’re getting older, they still like to do that.”

Mike Ulring Principal, Dublin Coffman High School

Where to go: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; “As a family, that’s our favorite place to go.”

What to bring: Sandwiches, fruit, potato chips, drinks, “maybe a snack like pudding or cookies.”

Who to take: His wife and four children – “just our family.”

Picnicking memories: Coffman’s students have gotten in on the picnic action, too; “It has gone defunct, but a couple years ago, there was a picnicking club.”

Garth Bishop is a contributing editor. Feedback welcome at laurand@pub groupltd.com.