5 minute read
Field Day Plays Up Providence Park Possibilities
Event Expands Each Year by Amusing Members & Enhancing Partnerships
By Jake Ten Pas // Photos by Brandon Davis
In just two years, MAC Field Day went from a big idea to one of the club’s biggest athletic events, with more than 1,000 members attending in 2024. When it returns to Providence Park on Friday, June 6, for its third go-round, Field Day is set to be even bigger and better, with more of everything attendees have come to love about it.
That means more carnival games, bounce houses, athletic activities, and concessions options — including new-this-year fried chicken. Greater numbers of face painters, magicians, and stilt walkers are expected to be on hand, too.
For the first time, Bricks & Minifigs gets in on the action, assembling connections with kids and their families. “They’ll have mini-Lego soccer games and also build-your-own stations,” says Athletic Events Coordinator Gresham Prehn. “They bring all the bricks, all the minifigs, and you can bring them home. They don’t want to leave with any!”
This expansion of Field Day mirrors the overall development of MAC’s collaboration with Providence Park, which has resulted in more events being held there, including the Easter Egg Dash, Movie Night, and the 2024 20s/30s Winter Ball. Field Day is even going to
be an hour longer this year, giving members more time to soak up the fresh air, fair vibes, and magic of frolicking around the pitch.
“It’s the end of school, the beginning of summer, and quickly becoming a tradition for so many MAC families,” says Athletic Events Manager Kristen Hoffman, who fondly recalls the type of field day events her own school held when she was younger. “Our goal is to create a capstone for students and families finishing up the academic year while also showcasing what makes MAC so special.”
Goal scored, according to member-parent Sarin Jervis: “As a parent, it’s amazing to walk into Providence Park, look to the field and see all these cool activities set up just for kids. It’s this huge safe place where you can just let the kids run free and explore whatever activity they want. You also get to see coaches and other staff volunteering at the event. I just smile a lot, laugh, and am happy the kids are having a ball.”
It’s hard not to smile and laugh when current members of the Board of Trustees and past presidents alike are plunging into a tank of water courtesy of well-thrown softballs. “All the staff and volunteers are so kind,” says another club mother, Aly Musgrove. “They let us practically push the dunk tank ourselves for our little kids.”
Musgrove adds that the tank hits the sweet spot for all three of her kids, who range from 2-16, but that there are other offerings aimed straight at each of their age groups. “For our toddler, the bounce houses are huge. My preschooler loves the football and soccer, as well as the pretend play area, and my high schooler enjoys the ax throwing. We stayed later than we normally would — past bedtime — just to try to get to all the activities they had.”
Field Day is primarily about active fun, but some of its diversions present a deeper opportunity for interested parties. As a Community Grant Partner of the Multnomah Athletic Foundation, Elite Sports Academy shows up each year with obstacle courses and other activities designed to energize and delight MAC kids while sharing the organization’s focus on creating inclusive, engaging, and active experiences for kids and families.
“Beyond all the fun and excitement of the actual event, it’s also a valuable opportunity to build relationships with other local organizations and partners while spreading awareness about the positive impact sports can have on a child’s growth and development,” says ESA’s Executive Director Andy White, who adds that many in the community first find out about the work they do through events such as this.
“There’s something especially exciting about setting up our activities on the same field where professional athletes play, and the look on the kids’ faces when they walk in says it all — it’s a moment that makes sports feel bigger, more inspiring, and more accessible to everyone.”
“Our partnership with the Multnomah Athletic Club goes beyond being neighbors; it’s built on shared values of community and wellness,” Timbers CEO Heather Davis shares. “By hosting Field Day at Providence Park, we strive to create a welcoming environment that promotes connection and an active lifestyle. We look forward to opening our doors for another great event alongside the MAC!”
Jervis’ children, Beckett and Simone, can’t wait. “Whatever events the MAC does, they always go big!” says her son, while her daughter adds, “It’s a great experience because you get to be on the field the soccer players play on and there are so many fun games — lots of stuff to do!”
Mom agrees. “My life is so busy with work, kids’ activities, etc., that it’s hard to find time to socialize. I love that I can be at MAC family events, socializing with other parents, and the kids are having a great time, too. It works for everyone, and it feels like a great way to kick of summer vacation!”
