No lions and tigers and bears here, just llamas, goats and ponies at the annual Fun Day held at Norton Park, sponsored by the Plainville Recreation Department. The event included a magic show and various art activities. See full photo gallery.

On Saturday, skateboarders, bikers and even a “scooterist” tried out the new skate facility constructed in Norton Park. The skate park was finished in the fall however was unable to be used because of winter. Sam Lindgren tries to conquer a maneuver. The official opening is April 2. Add your photo to our skate park album on Facebook!

Ceremonially tossing a shovel of dirt signifying the beginning of the construction of the Norton Park skate park are, from left to right, Mark Belanger, Kathy Pugliese, state Rep. Elizabeth "Betty" Boukus, Tom Warnat, Helen Bergenty and Kris Dargenio. The event was held Wednesday, Sept. 8 at the site.

The groundbreaking for the new skate park in Plainville's Norton Park will be held tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. The skate park has been more than five years in the planning.

Hundreds of children pet animals at Norton Park on Aug. 13 during the annual Fun Day held by the Recreation Department. The event, which also featured face painting, arts and crafts and dunking, closed with a magic show. More photos in our online photo gallery.

Nzinga's Daughters, a woman's music group based in Plainville, performs at the Norton Park summer concert series. They will also be featured in a free concert tomorrow, July 31, at The Bushnell Belden Theater, 166 Capital Ave., in Hartford, when the Queen Ann Nzinga Center will present its annual Music from the African Diaspora. The program will be emceed by Nikki Mathis and Alvin Carter Sr. Featured music includes Nzinga’s Daughters, R & B, and the gospel sound of Voices. In addition, the program will feature the rockin’ bluesy sound of Changes. New this year is the Latin sound of Ray Gonzalez’ Latin Jazz Quartet and the sulky, soul sound of Fade to Black. Other special guest performers include Nzinga’s Watotos, Savannah Freitas, Asha Follins and Aalaya Hardy. This musical event is made possible by a grant from the Evelyn Preston Memorial Fund, Greater Harford Arts Council, The George A. and Grace L. Long Foundation, and The Michael and Janet Suisman Community Access Fund. Admission is free.

Children demonstrate their own dance moves at a hip hop demonstration held Friday, July 17 at Norton Park. To see more photos, click on the photo gallery above and then the Hip Hop folder.