Article submitted by Shamli Tarbell, Park Designer,  City of San Diego 

The City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department is bringing new meaning to the phrase, “Here’s mud in your eye!” In honor of International Mud Day, the City’s Golden Hill Recreation Center in partnership with San Diego Children & Nature will host a morning of muddy madness with Nature Play Mud Day Saturday, June 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nature Play Mud Day gives kids the opportunity to get their hands and whole bodies covered in mud. The day will feature nature-themed crafts, dancing, fort building and a large muddy obstacle course designed to make a muddy mess. Not crazy about going home covered in mud? Fear not, the event will culminate with a visit from Dr. Bronner’s Soap and their Magical Foam Experience! Don’t miss out on this messy day that is sure to become a San Diego Parks and Recreation tradition.

The event is part of a growing effort to help children reconnect with nature and foster creativity using only natural surroundings. There’s so many amazing things to discover out in the world and the more we encourage children to interact and value nature the more likely they will become advocates and stewards of the green spaces in their neighborhoods.

As part of Nature Play Mud Day, the City of San Diego will also be opening their second Nature Exploration Area to compliment the exploration area located in Morley Field. The area will utilize salvaged logs, rocks and pollinator attracting plants to create a space that encourages fort building nature, exploration and urban gardening.

Grab the kids and join your neighbors for muddy mayhem on Saturday, June 23 at Golden Hill Recreation Center (2600 Golf Course Drive, 92101).