The two groups meet every Wednesday in one of New Ulm’s many parks, with German Park most recently hosting the fun get-together.

ECFE director Betty Uehling said the purpose of the park fun days is to bring area kids and parents together during the summer. It is a chance for everyone to connect and have fun.

ECFE has been hosting summer events like this for a year, but this summer was the first time ECFE collaborated with MOPS. The results were a huge increase in attendance with members of both groups coming to the park to play.

ECFE/MOPS events are free to the public. There is no restriction on who is able to attend. Most of the families attending the events are parents with preschool-age kids, but sometimes kindergarten or first grade siblings tag along. The event is also open to grandparents who want to spend time with their grandchildren.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Olivia Schroers and her son, Everett Schroers, practice bubble art in the park, while Evelyn Schroers takes a ride on a push motorcycle.

ECFE staff typically brings along special activities for the kids, depending on which park they are visiting. Since German Park hosted the most recent event, sidewalk chalk and rideable toys were brought to the park. Each was a hit for the kids, but it was also fun for the parents.

Jenna Carlson has been taking her three kids — Emma, Odin and Sophie — to the park for fun days since the start of the summer, and they love it.

“It so fun for the kids,” Carlson said. “They look forward to this event all week.”

ECFE and MOPS have been a part of the New Ulm community for decades. ECFE was created to support and strengthen families through information, education and networking.

MOPS of New Ulm has been part of the community for more than 20 years and is a networking event for mothers of preschool kids. Recently the organization expanded to include all mothers. MOPS member Ann Vote said the group provides support to moms beyond preschool age, because parents with children of any age can struggle.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt The ECFE/MOPS Wednesday fun day in the park featured a variety of fun activities. Twins Emma and Odin Carlson practice using the hammer during the ECFE/MOPS fun day in the park.

In addition to the weekly play dates, MOPS and MOMSnext meet three times a month from September through June. The group meets from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Monday of the month and 9-11 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. All meetings are held at Grace Community Church at 301 S. Minnesota St. in New Ulm.

Next week, ECFE and MPOS park play day will be held from 10 -11 a.m. at Washington Learning Center.