Residents of The Villages of Taylor didn’t have to go far to enjoy a big “Party in the Park” that included bounce houses for the kids, music, food and lots of fun. In fact, the party was practically in the backyard.
The July 28 event was held at Phoenix Park, located south of Eureka Road and west of Beech Daly, at the center of each of The Villages of Taylor’s five communities: The Ponds, The Parks, The Courtyards and Springs Apartments and The Commons.
More than 300 people, including many families with children, enjoyed half a dozen bounce houses, unlimited ice cream, two food trucks, vendor giveaways and a visit from a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.
Margie Wright, director of The Villages of Taylor’s McKinley office, said it has been several years since large events have been held for residents, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the biggest community events before the pandemic was a back-to-school party, also held at Phoenix Park.
William Epps, McKinley’s vice president and director of multifamily operations, said the Taylor Parks and Recreation Department made the party a success.
The Taylor Community Development Corporation owns The Villages of Taylor properties, managed by McKinley.
Epps, along with Mayor Tim Woolley and Police Chief John Blair, are credited with creating this event to celebrate their residents and provide an opportunity to engage with community partners.
TCDC Board President Jason Couture was also there to share in the celebration.
Beaumont Health and Xfinity teams had support tables set up at the event.
“The police allowed the kids to pet the police dog, sit inside a cool armored SWAT team vehicle and meet Police Chief Blair,” Epps said. “We also have two generous churches to thank for their support and we raffled off over $500 in gift cards donated by vendors. Everyone pitched in to make this the biggest resident (event) I’ve ever seen. It was a lot of fun. We serve great people who had a great time.”
