DOWNEY - The City Council approved a request by Mayor Luis Marquez on Tuesday to appropriate $5,000 for a series of community picnics targeted at isolated neighborhoods in Downey.The first picnic is tentatively scheduled to be held at Wilderness Park next month, followed by picnics at Golden Park in September and Dennis the Menace Park in October. A firm schedule is still being prepared, Marquez said. According to a report to the council, the picnics will "provide an opportunity for residents to meet Council members, learn about city resources and provide input on neighborhood concerns..." To encourage attendance, the city will barbecue hamburgers and hot dogs and host activities for kids. The city hopes to attract one-quarter of the estimated 17,500 residents living east of the 605 Freeway, north of 5 Freeway and south of the 105 Freeway. The city budgeted $5,000 for the picnics, not including staff time. Planning, publicity and logistical support is expected to come from the police and fire departments, Community Services and Public Works staff, along with Keep Downey Beautiful volunteers.

********** Published: July 28, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 15