PHOTOS: Franklin Park Gets Groove On at Community Celebration

As the Washington metro area enjoyed a refreshing respite from last week's heat wave, Franklin Park residents came together on July 14 for an evening midsummer celebration full of dancing, games and hot dogs and hamburgers fresh off a wood-fired grill.

"I think it's a great idea to get the community together, especially from the different parts of Greenbelt," said Greenbelt Mayor Judith "J" Davis.

Darren Stephenson, a family counselor for Greenbelt Cares, said that an advisory board for Franklin Park was recently formed to address the community and its needs. Stephenson joined forces with Greenbelt Cares Director, Dr. Liz Park, members of the City of Greenbelt, Franklin Park representatives, and the Greenbelt Police Department, including , to create this first-time event to engage the community.

I've been working with Greenbelt for over a year. We need more of a community development thing going on," Stephenson said. "It's a big draw with music and entertainment."

Residents, including lots of kids, who gathered on the village green adjacent to the leasing center on Springhill Drive, were treated to cool drinks, classic barbecue fare, snow cones and a DJ who kept the crowd moving and grooving for more than two hours.

The Greenbelt Police Department gave residents a tour of its tank that Pfc. J. Kelley said is used in parades, community oriented events, barricades and for training purposes. Police officers also sponsored an opportunity for parents to have their kids complete a child identification fingerprint kit, which was one of the most popular activities throughout the evening.

Sgt. Marie Triesky said that approximately 70 children were fingerprinted, with more expected before the end of the event.

Teneille Naraine, brand ambassador for , said that she worked with Franklin Park and the Greenbelt Police Department when she learned of the event, due to the restaurant's interest in serving the community. Joe's had an arts and crafts booth, and kids eagerly lined up to have their faces or arms painted with requested designs.

"We're new to the community. We want to be involved," Naraine said. "When school starts, I'm planning to do a project with Springhill Lake Elementary School with some of our servers and hosts to do tutoring in the afternoon after school."

Laugh Out Loud Stations engaged many of the kids in games and activities including limbo and musical chairs. Its mascot, a friendly fuzzy creature, danced and visited with the children, much to their delight.

The Platinum Rollers Motorcycle Club assisted excited kids, who lined up to have their pictures taken on the members' bikes. Residents also had an opportunity to speak with representatives from Greenbelt Cares, a youth and family services agency, the City of Greenbelt Department of Recreation and local businesses—including Gold's Gym and Beltway Plaza.

"The event was perfect—positive, music, food. The participation from residents was great," Stephenson said.