When I moved to South Bend, IN.
I knew it was a great place to live. I moved to an area that was full of things for my kids to do, and where I knew they would be safe. I had been told that when it’s hot, go to Kennedy Water Playground. It was a water park designed just for kids. The water was only a foot deep and there were splash pads. What they didn’t tell me was that Kennedy Water Playground was no longer open. I was looking for the water playground, but I couldn’t find it online. They had directions, but that was it. Then I started reading the reviews. One person said not to waste your time going to the Kennedy Water Playground because it was closed…permanently. It was supposed to be scorching hot, I had no pool in my backyard, and the one place I was told was perfect for kids was closed. I had to go in search of something else for them to do. I found a place in town that rented kayaks and other river gear. I rented a pedal boat that was big enough for my two kids and me. We had a great time pedaling around the Big Sioux River. They were splashing each other with the water and laughing. They started out bummed because they had to stay in the house all day because of the heat. I promised to make them a tent in the living room, and I would turn the thermostat lower so it wouldn’t be too warm. I would have never thought of pedaling around a river would make them so happy. I knew I was enjoying myself, even if I was doing most of the pedaling.