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Workshop urges parks refresh, a dog park and revival of PAL youth programs
Summary
Attendees urged improved park maintenance, returning lap swim programs at local high schools, a new community dog park, and a revival of the Atwater Police Activities League (PAL), which previously served nearly 2,000 youth and families.
Participants recommended strengthening quality-of-life programs by refreshing parks, identifying a dog-park site and reviving youth programs led by the Atwater Police Activities League (PAL). Speakers suggested using existing fields behind the former city hall (police station) as a dog park because parking is available, and recommended evaluating recreational program costs and partnerships with schools and nonprofits to expand offerings like lap swim.
A speaker who identified themself as a retired Atwater police officer described PAL's history and said the organization once served "close to 2,000 youth and families," and that efforts are underway to restore youth leadership and after-school programs with police involvement. That speaker noted APOA has provided an initial $500 donation and said further grant and local fundraising will be needed to insure and relaunch programs.
Participants linked parks and program investments to broader economic development goals, saying a more attractive downtown corridor helps recruit businesses. Workshop facilitators said these proposals will be incorporated into the revised strategic plan for council consideration in June or July.
