Council proclaims 'Paso Play on Wheels' relaunch and names July Parks and Recreation Month

The El Paso de Robles City Council on July 21 proclaimed the relaunch of the "Paso Play on Wheels" mobile recreation program and designated July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month, recognizing private donations and city recreation staff work to expand access to play and activities.

Mayor John Hammond read the proclamation honoring Arthur and Sarah Ludwig for donating a mobile recreation van and seed funding that will deliver free activities to neighborhoods, parks and community events. A written statement from Art Ludwig was read to the council; in that statement he said communities "thrive when people choose to invest in one another" and expressed hope the program will help residents "connect, play, learn, and grow."

Recreation Services staff thanked the council for the recognition and highlighted recent activity: new shelving at the library donated by the Ludwigs and an outdoor ribbon-cutting that marked the mobile program's return. The department emphasized the program's aim to bring free recreation directly to neighborhoods, senior centers and events.

"It is an honor and a privilege to create opportunities for people of all ages to gather, stay active, learn new skills, build connections and enjoy special events," said Linda Lehi of Recreation Services.

Why it matters: the proclamation recognizes a private donation paired with city-operated recreation services that staff say will expand access to programming in parks and neighborhoods. The council also used the moment to acknowledge staff who organized a recent community event tied to the program's relaunch.

Next step: Recreation Services will deploy the mobile unit to neighborhood events and the library; staff requested community support and attendance at upcoming events.