The Parks and Recreation Department Stays Busy

By Glenn Barnett

No government agency does more to improve the quality of life in Alhambra than the Parks and Recreation Department (P&R). They are responsible for our parks and so much more.

Some of our parks have grown over the years. For instance at Almansor Park, the closing of the city dump allowed the community golf course to expand from 9 to 18 holes and includes a multi-level driving range, the first in the nation. P&R is responsible for its upkeep.

The southern end of the park used to be a part of Baldwin School’s playground in the 50’s when I was a student there. An arrangement was later made for the school and the park to share that space, increasing our city park space.

Our parks have also kept up with the times. A Veteran’s corner was added to Alhambra Park. Veteran’s and Memorial Day observances are held there, hosted by P&R. Also at Alhambra Park, the Los Angeles Dodgers recently gifted the city a state of the art playground. A pickleball court is planned for the near future. During the summer months, outdoor concerts and movies are offered at the Park’s bandshell.

P&R maintains two public swimming pools at Granada and Alhambra Parks, with swim classes and free swims for all ages. Organized team sports from basketball to cheerleading headline the offerings for recreational activity for young people. Our parks have long hosted Little League baseball games. Seniors are served at Story Park with Senior Ride, food distribution,

Glenn Barnett

instructional seminars and social gatherings. It’s all listed in the leisure guide. The parks host other activities as well. Our library uses the park settings for storytelling outdoors in green space under the shade of trees. Here too, books can be checked out remotely. The Alhambra School District provides free and reduced cost lunches during the school year to qualified students and shares the information with P&R so they can qualify to distribute lunches during the summer months.

P&R also manage the weekly farmer’s market on 2nd Street and recruits dozens of volunteers to decorate Alhambra’s Rose Parade float. They host an Arbor Day observance and tree planting in the parks. In the spring, they host a traditional Easter egg hunt. On the fourth of July, they host a community picnic and fireworks display at Almansor Park. Parks and Recreation improves our quality of life.