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New Rockport Park campout event called an economical family get-together

Photo

Shelley R. Slapak

JANESVILLE — If you think you can’t afford to take the family camping this summer, think again.

Janesville is offering its first city campout Saturday, June 26, at Rockport Park.

“We’re really into family, special events,’’ said Shelley Slapak, city recreation coordinator.

“We also recognize Janesville doesn’t have a campground, and we wanted to celebrate the Great American Backyard Campout with the city campout in one of our parks,” she said.

The first-time, low-cost event is for families to get together, Slapak said.

“With the cost of travel, it’s just nice to camp in your own back yard or our park,” she said.

Participants won’t have the expense of gassing up their vehicles. They’ll pay $25 per campsite. The cost to pitch an additional tent on the same site is $10 more.

Only two tents are allowed per campsite, Slapak said.

Food, activities and swimming at Rockport Pool are included.

“There are a lot of things going on for the one cost,’’ Slapak said.

A handful of families has registered for the campout. A minimum of 10 families must register by Tuesday for the event to take place. The park has room for 50 families.

Slapak is confident there will be enough interest.

“We always have a lot of people who register on the deadline date,’’ she said.

Families need to know they cannot just show up the day of the campout “because we need to know how many to plan for food, activities and space,” Slapak said.

Those planning to attend should take their own tent, sleeping bags, camp chairs, snacks, beverages and a picnic lunch.

A hotdog cookout, sponsored by Matt’s Deli Dog House, is planned for Saturday night.

“He’s providing hotdogs,’’ Slapak said.

The registration fee pays for drinks, chips and cookies.