Channel 15-Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation with Mayor Cook

Gabriel Ramirez 
Game fields-The Parks Maintenance  have to walk the 140 fields regularly to check for areas that need to be filled in since uneven surfaces could cause injury to the athletes.  The dirt has been already brought in, and now they rake it smooth and flat.  The Mayor grabbed a rake and helped.

Eduardo Aragon
Lining the fields with chalk - only line the outfield for special requests.They use a line to help keep things straight and then a metal frame to line out the batter's areas.  They line the fields the day before the game.   

Paula Powell - Sports Manager
50 teams at Tobins Park  over 5,000 citywide.   Now parents attend training to help deal with the past problems.  Many years ago, the mayor while umpiring was punched by an angry parent who didn't like the call.   The team was very small kids.

George Flores-Park Area Supervisor
Arbor day-modesto ash planting.   They are careful to plant at the right depth and they move it in its box to the right location to keep the root ball safe.  Wonder how much trouble they have with theft?   The trees have sprinklers to make sure they get enough water.  I especially liked how they had everyone come so they all had a chance to be filmed and meet the mayor.

Gregory Edmunds - Recreation Program
Indoor Hockey Rink - Saturday morning Tues, Wed and Thurs mornings.  Black Diamonds roller team.  They switch from soccer to hockey in the arena since they require different items.    90-95 miles an hour for a hockey puck.  Mayor played street hockey on roller skates that tightened onto one's shoes (I remember those!!).