Readville Fest Offers Locals Good Times 'Just Across the Tracks'

Businesses near the Readville train station made their mark Sunday, showing residents Hyde Park has the potential to be more than just "A Small Town in the City" with the first annual Readville Fest.

The event offered Dedham residents an opportunity to fly, bounce and climb while learning more about what Hyde Park offers. 

Solid Body Fitness founder Jason Zagami organized the event with other Sprague Street vendors inside the Boston/Dedham Business Park on the town border. 

Zagami noted the event was designed to help improve the public perception of the town. 

"When people hear Hyde Park, it turns them off," Zagami said. "We wanted to draw fans and show them it's a family friendly place."

At least 600 people attended the inaugural Readville Fest. 

"There's been no problems," Zagami said. "Everything's been smooth."

Sprague Street businesses showed attendees they could climb an artificial rock wall, play 3D dodgeball and join gymnastics classes in Hyde Park.

Rock Spot Climbing, Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park and Broderick Gymnastics were among the businesses to provide their support. 

Attendees could sign up to learn rock climbing as Rock Spot Climbing provided open access to its gym.

Rock Spot Climbing instructor Kelsey Moore said the gym offers climbing lessons for all ages and abilities. 

"As they have the want to climb, they can go for it," Moore said. 

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park added a bounce to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to try their trampolines in 3D dodgeball games. 

Participants jumped at the chance to try Broderick Gymnastics' facilities as the gymnastics academy opened its doors to local residents. 

Broderick Gymnastics owner Karen Broderick said she anticipates the festival becomes an annual event. 

"This has been awesome," Dedham resident Amy Teahan said of gymnastics gym. "It's great for the young ones."

Food trucks and vendors provided attendees a taste of what the Hyde Park and its neighbors can offer.

The Cupcakory, Grilled Cheese Nation and Mobile Coffee Break were among the vendors to host food trucks at the event.

The first annual Readville Fest offered a glimpse of what Readville can offer, and could become a regular community gathering. 

Zagami said he would like it to become a monthly event in the future. 

"I think it's a possibility," Zagami said.

Correction: a previous version of this story erroneously stated the number of attendees. There were more than 600 at the event.