Neighbor to Neighbor funding strengthens parks' emergency role, Paradise recreation manager says

Dan Afseff, district manager for the Paradise Recreation and Park District, said at a Day of the Campfire event at Billy Park that Neighbor to Neighbor funding "has helped our local community" and has expanded regular programming that also supports parks' role during emergencies.

Afseff said the pavilion at Billy Park was "one of the places that was kind of impromptu shelter in place," and that experience highlighted "how important parks are for the community, their role during emergencies." He said the Neighbor to Neighbor funding has allowed the district to sustain repeated, community-focused events and deepen neighbor-to-neighbor connections.

"It's not only allowed us to have those connections to different organizations, we have a whole rich, suite of different events," Afseff said, listing arts activities, a community build project, nature walks and "nature and forest therapy guided trips." He also said the district is incorporating what he called "hydrotherapy" for residents "that are very triggered by fires, even smoke," as part of broader efforts to address trauma and loneliness.

Afseff framed part of the program's purpose as combating social isolation: "I think we're starting with this idea that we're all connected...trying to combat the epidemic of loneliness," and added, "that sense of community and connection is so important." He said the district is still learning how the Neighbor to Neighbor program will function in the long term: "I think we're finding that out right now."

There were no formal motions or votes reported in the transcript excerpt provided; Afseff's remarks were descriptive of programming and community uses of park facilities rather than a request for board action.