NATCHEZ — While cookouts and pool parties are the usual norms for Memorial Day, some just can’t resist getting in a little extra playtime.

And on the first unofficial day of summer, young and old alike flocked to Duncan Park to get that all-important playtime.

But even in midst of tennis, golf and even a little work — the meaning of the day was remembered across the park.

Celebrating Memorial Day in his own way was Ronnie Owens, who was hitting the links alone.

“This is the best golf I’ve played in a long time,” Owens said after putting.

Owens works offshore and said he relishes any chance he has to squeeze in a few holes.

“I finished all my honey-dos early this morning and headed straight out here,” he said. “It’s a great day.”

But Owens had more than just golf on his mind Monday.

“A lot of people gave a lot for this country,” he said. “And this is the time for all of us to be mindful of that and to thank them.”

Owens’ father-in-law was a prisoner of war during WWII, and while his father-in-law is in declining health, he was in Owens’ thoughts.

“I know that if he could, he’d be right out here with me,” he said.

Across the park at the tennis complex groups of children swarmed the courts for a free clinic put on by the parks tennis director, Henry Harris.

“It’s good to see them out here,” Harris said. “They’re getting out of the house and getting exercise.”

But Beverly Wilson had more in mind than just exercise when she brought her three grandsons to the park for the clinic.

“They love tennis,” Wilson said. “But this is a chance for us to have some family time.”

And on a holiday like Memorial Day, family time is important to Wilson.

“That’s what it’s all about for me, spending time with the family,” she said.

But not everyone at Duncan Park was there to play on Monday — there was work to be done.

Glen Carroll and his son, Dustin, were busy rebuilding the shed that houses the park’s water pump.

“It needs to be done,” Carroll said. “And there’s more work to be done tomorrow.”

Carroll said while he’d rather be playing golf than just working on the course, he still found time to consider the reason for Memorial Day.

“This is a time to remember our veterans and all the people that have served this country,” he said. “That’s the important thing.”