At its regular June 25 meeting, the Riverbank City Council recognized the hard work and far-reaching impact of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department to its citizens.
Along with the rest of the country, Mayor Richard D. O’Brien and the council declared July 2024 as National Parks & Recreation month.
In doing so, they noted that such departments promote physical activity, emotional and mental health benefits and wellness through organized and self-directed fitness, play, and connecting people. In addition, the department creates memorable experiences through youth sports and enrichment activities, teen centers and programs, adult fitness, free special events and more.
In its resolution, the council also encouraged citizens to visit the parks, participate in recreation programs, attend special events to recognize the immense impacts they make to create memorable experiences, and improve health and quality of life.
Accepting the proclamation, on behalf of his staff and the department, was Director Michael Patton, who joined the city about eight months ago.
And he invited all the members of his staff to come to the council meeting to participate in a group photo. Many of them were there.
Patton mentioned a “shoutout to our incredible parks and recreation staff” and noted that their “dedication and hard work ensure our parks, programs, events, and activities are beautiful, safe, and accessible for everyone.”
Riverbank’s Parks & Recreation Department has a number of events scheduled for July.
Pool Hours For Heat
In anticipation of the triple digit temperatures this week, the department has scheduled special hours at the swimming pool.
Through Saturday, July 6, the new hours at the pool will be from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m., although it will be closed Thursday, July 4, and on Sunday, July 7.
Movies In The Park
The department’s park movie program continues with two showing this month.
Saturday, July 13, will feature the film “The Guardian,” starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher. It’s about air rescue teams of the Coast Guard, and will be shown at Jacob Myers Park.
Jacob Myers is where local movies in the park originated, but Patton has expanded them to other parks in town, too.
On July 27, the movie “Matilda” will be shown in Castleberg Park. It stars and is directed by Danny DeVito, along with Mara Wilson. The plot centers on the titular child prodigy who develops psychokinetic abilities to deal with problems in her family and in school.
Both movies begin after sundown, expected between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Call 209-863-7150 for more information.
Tuesday Market To Begin
Another downtown event scheduled by the city’s Parks & Rec begins on Tuesday, July 9.
The Tuesday Market will run each week in July, at the Plaza del Rio Park, on Third Street, across from City Hall North, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The event will feature food, drinks, entertainment, and vendors with local handmade goods.
Bike Rodeo Scheduled
The annual Kids Health Fair and Bike Rodeo is scheduled to return to downtown on Wednesday, July 10.
It is co-sponsored by the Parks Department, Riverbank Police Services, and Central Valley Community Resources.
It’s scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Plaza del Rio Park on Third Street.
The Bike Rodeo will be held for youngsters 12 years of age and younger, and there will be a bike raffle, food and crafts, along with health and safety information, and more.
