By all indications, Wednesday's Great Day of Play in Rapid City was a resounding success, an official with the city's parks and recreation department said.

Recreation program specialist Kristy Lintz said the number of participants was amazing.

"The heat brought out a lot of people for the pools," she said. "We had over 450 people at Sioux Park pool by early afternoon, and the Swim Center was at capacity."

Additionally, nearly 150 people took advantage of free skating at Roosevelt Park Ice Arena.

The South Dakota Parks and Recreation Association, South Dakota state parks and Healthy South Dakota sponsored the Great Day of Play to encourage children, adults and families to get outside and play or be physically active.

"It makes us feel good to see so many people out today. It's the whole purpose of the Great Day of Play," Lintz said.

Youth & Family Services Girls Inc. took advantage of the free day to offer its members options throughout Rapid City on Wednesday including swimming and skating.

Girls Inc. third-grade teacher Kate Swallow was supervising a group of 40 second- and third-grade girls at Jimmy Hilton Municipal Pool at Sioux Park.

"I think it's awesome," Swallow said about the Great Day of Play.

Anna Veazy, 10, a regular at the Jimmy Hilton pool, said she loves to be outside playing sports and swimming.

"It gets me energized," she said.

Lauren Beyer, head lifeguard at the Jimmy Hilton pool, said the hot weather coupled with the Great Day of Play brought out the crowds.

"We've had some busy days, but this is up there," she said.

Lintz said she is happy to give people the opportunity to get out and play.

"We're hoping they see the value once they come," she said.