San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation has been awarded $100,000 through Trust for Public Land’s Central Valley Park Access and Activation Grant Program to launch Parks After Dark, a new pilot initiative focused on expanding free recreational programming and community activities at neighborhood parks in Stockton.
The grant was awarded through a competitive application process involving communities across the Central Valley seeking funding for park activation, community engagement and public space programming efforts. Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and protecting parks and open space, developed the program to help communities expand access to parks and encourage positive activity in neighborhood public spaces.
The Parks After Dark pilot program is anticipated to launch later this summer and will feature activities designed to encourage families and residents to gather, recreate and connect with park services in safe and welcoming environments. Programming may include wellness activities, family events, recreational opportunities and partnerships with local community organizations.
San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation will also seek community feedback in the coming weeks to help shape programming and identify the types of activities residents would like to see offered in their neighborhood parks.
The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with County departments and community-based organizations, with an emphasis on outreach and community participation.
Additional program details, participating park locations and opportunities for public input will be announced soon.
Upcoming events through county Parks and Recreation include:
June 16 - Prospective Volunteer Open House and Meeting;
June 20 - Third Saturday Garden Work Party, Astronomy in the Park;
June 21 - Native Plant Trail Nature Walk.
There are also ongoing, weekly Zoo Camps, running through July 24. Zoo Camp morning sessions are for kids ages seven to nine and afternoon sessions are for kids ages 10 and 11. To learn more or to register, call the San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation Administration Office at 209-953-8800 and select option 1.
Also, Micke Grove Zoo will welcome visitors this summer. Guests are encouraged to stay hydrated during their visit and take advantage of shaded areas throughout the zoo for breaks and relaxation.
While the snack bar is closed, outside snacks are welcome inside the zoo and may be enjoyed at picnic tables or while exploring the grounds. Guests are asked to dispose of all trash and leftovers in designated receptacles. To help keep the animals healthy and safe, visitors are asked not to feed them. Zoo staff work closely with animal nutritionists to provide balanced diets specially designed for each species.
Zoo officials added that, to help animals stay cool during warmer temperatures, they have access to indoor dens throughout the day and may occasionally choose to relax out of public view, especially on hot days. Guests are encouraged to check the weather forecast before visiting, as many animals may choose to remain indoors when temperatures exceed 90°F.
