Parental Units: The Park Hill Parent Group offers a network for kids and parents alike
By Erin Vanderberg
Rob Cuthbertson and Jill McClure moved to Park Hill from Austin and found out that they were expecting their first shortly thereafter. It occurred to them that between having very few friends with children and families that lived in long-distance area codes, it might be a good idea to start networking with other parents in the neighborhood to build up their support system. But, in 2008, there were only organized parent groups in Stapleton, Lowry and Congress Park.
So Jill, Chief Operating Officer for the Colorado Oil & Gas Association, did what any self-respecting COO would do, she spearheaded the Park Hill Parents Group with her husband Rob using the Meetup platform. Nearly four years later, the group has grown to over 200 participants.
Aided by Paula Marinelli, the three have created a volunteer-run group that generates a new playgroup every six to 12 months as younger participants reach a critical mass. There are currently ten playgroups.
“The mama drama is at a minimum,” said Jill. “We have to have some structures in place, but we don’t want it to be over-planned or over-organized – we want it to have that organic feel.”
The volunteer playgroup organizers follow a certain protocol to keep each playgroup running smoothly. Dues, down to $10 from $15 as a result of the large number of participants, are collected to pay for web-hosting and picnics.
“At first we published policies, but those scenarios rarely happened,” said Paula. “People have been very respectful.”
In addition to the playgroups for neighborhood children of the same age, the Park Hill Parents Group offers parents their own sort of playgroups: for moms, there is Mom’s Night Out, Craft Club and Book Club; for dads, there is Dad’s Night Out.
The group also hosts family events like picnics, a Thanksgiving potluck and holiday parties, so families can mingle with other families outside their playgroups.
The Meetup site also features a discussion forum where parents can sell their old kid stuff, pool together for nanny shares, and share their recommendations with one another.
Sure enough, Jill accomplished her mission to create a support network for her young family. “My very best friends in Denver are in this group,” she said.
The Park Hill Parent Group welcomes families from Park Hill, Montclair, Hilltop, Crestmoor, Mayfair and City Park. For more information, visit meetup.com/Park-Hill-New-Parents-Group.