Back to the Water Fest: Hobart's park fun with a green twist

Hobart’s Water Fest made a comeback after skipping a few years, landing at Robinson Lake Park on a crisp morning. The festival used to be a big deal before 2020, but it took a break thanks to the pandemic. This year, the city hoped to bring families together to enjoy nature while learning about protecting the environment. The event turned into a mix of play and education. Families wandered around booths run by groups like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and local environmental teams. Kids dug into hands-on activities, while adults chatted with organizations working to keep the city’s green spaces thriving. Freebies like backpacks and wildflower seeds gave attendees something to take home beyond memories. Not everyone left with what they expected. Darlene Montez wanted a small tree for her grandson’s yard, but the festival didn’t offer one. Still, she grabbed some seeds to plant later—a small win for her green goals. Other families, like Robin Toneff’s, used the day to teach their youngest about recycling and caring for nature early on.Teenagers Vincent Ludington and Terah Underhill skipped the booths entirely. They suited up in rubber boots and waded into Robinson Lake, nets in hand, to hunt for tadpoles and crayfish. Ludington, who grew up in Chicago, loves the park’s relaxed vibe and clean waters. “It’s not crowded, ” he said, proving the spot’s appeal. Behind the scenes, organizers like Russel Brodhacker joked about this year being a “work in progress. ” The city plans to tweak things for next time, hoping to make it even bigger. Meanwhile, volunteers like Bob Allen keep the park in shape year-round, stocking fish, planting trees, and fixing playgrounds. Their work keeps places like Robinson Lake ready for visitors. From scavenger hunts to “fishing ponds” with prizes, the festival packed in fun with a purpose. Whether it was teaching kids about wildlife or just enjoying a spring day outside, the event showed how a little planning can bring a community together—even if it takes a pause to make it better.