PHOTO GALLERY
2007 EVENTS

Skateboard Camp at Pioneer Park

From kick flipping to grinds on rails, to just the basics of balancing on a skateboard, this summer’s skateboard camps at Pioneer Park were an awesome experience for over 35 kids. Skateboarders and “wanna-be’s” gathered every day for a week of instruction regarding basics of skateboarding, maintenance of their equipment, the state laws requiring helmets and pads, and a variety of challenging tricks. Kate Davis, owner of Alliance Board Company and key instructor, also reminded the kids that they have a choice when someone challenges them to try something new – whether they are skateboarding or facing the bigger issues of life. These motivational talks were a cornerstone of the five-day camp that culminated in the kids demonstrating for their parents the progress they had made in the sport. Everyone left with a stenciled t-shirt and some great food for thought.

Pirate Camp-
"It's a Pirate's Life for me..."

You don’t have to go to Disneyland to hear that familiar tune ringing through the air – just come to the Pirate’s Camp at Lost Ravine Island. This summer’s pirates were seen rope climbing, digging for treasure in Sandy Cove, and sword fighting with their own custom-made jeweled swords. From Pirate Flags to black eye patches to telescopes, these fearsome pirates, ages 4 – 8, scaled the hillsides, fought fierce battles and enjoyed two days of ARRGH!! and more ARRGH!!

Bob Cantu Basketball Camp-
A “Whole-Life Experience”

Over 160 kids, from age 4 to 16 years of age, attended Bob Cantu’s Basketball Camp, June 18 – 22, at Centennial Park. The event, sponsored by the Library & Recreation Services Department, has been an extremely popular event over the years, and many participants return year after year to hone their skills. Parents have praised the camp as being very professional and well-organized. They have also expressed their appreciation for the coaches’ interaction with the kids and their high level of supervision.

The camp is divided into two age groups that meet at different times during the day. Basic fundamentals of basketball are practiced every day in drills and actual games. Several skill contests were held throughout the camp, providing an opportunity for healthy competition. The students are also encouraged to make goals for themselves such as obtaining a summer job, being a better brother or sister, or making the school team. Parents are given the option of setting up an account for their children in the snack bar, giving them an opportunity to experience budgeting – as well as nutritional snacks.

Motivational talks about attitude, work ethic, and sportsmanship are at the core of the program. These same qualities appear on the Individual Player Evaluation that every participant receives on the last day. Kaleb Smith, MVP At the end of the four-day camp, awards were given for ability and attitude. One of the most coveted awards, the Most Valuable Player Award, was given in the morning session to Kaleb Smith, age 6 . This award recognizes all of the qualities deemed important in sports – and life. Awards were also given for attitude, defense, sportsmanship, and the most-improved player. All of the participants were given basketballs as well – ending the camp with a “high 5” for everyone who attended.

22nd Annual Taco Bell Track Meet
May 19, 2007

This event, sponsored by Taco Bell and the Paso Robles Department of Library and Recreation Services, is for boys and girls in kindergarten through 5th grade. Every participant was given a free jump rope and could purchase a colorful T-shirt, designed by Rose O’Sullivan of the Paso Robles Library and Recreation Department. Running events included the 50m, 100m, 200m, and 400m, and 400m relay.

Kudos to the Pat Butler Elementary relay teams who won the boys’ relay race and the girls’ relay race for the second year in a row! Concessions were manned by volunteers from the Oak Park Recreation Program and over 50 other volunteers, wearing complimentary T-shirts, helped to make the day a wonderful outing for children and their “cheerleaders”. Chad Dawson, the event coordinator, summed it up when he said, “This is just for fun. Everyone gets a ribbon – everyone is a winner!”

Kite Fest!
May 5, 2007

Community Walk Day
And River Walk Grand Opening
March 24, 2007

The Community Walk Day on Saturday, March 24th, was a crowning tribute to the coordinated effort to create a walking path along the Salinas River. Templeton Las Tablas Resource Conservation District received a grant in 2003 on behalf of the City of Paso Robles that was the catalyst for the design and implementation of this project. Hundreds of county residents came to the Community Walk Day and watched the symbolic tree planting, took guided tours, and thoroughly enjoyed the walking paths that meandered along the Salinas riverbed.

We invite you to experience for yourself the beauty and serenity of this new trail in the City of Paso Robles:

Download the Salinas River Parkway Trail Maps
Download information regarding future projects along the Salinas River

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Chocolate Fantasia
February 23, 2007

The ever-popular Chocolate Fantasia, and the smooth jazz sounds of “Incendio”, combined to tantalize the senses at the Centennial Park Ballroom on Friday, February 23rd.

A sell-out crowd of over 200 spent the evening tasting chocolates provided by Hermann’s Chocolate Lab, Rocky Mountain Chocolate, and Trader Joe’s. Wine samplings were offered by Four Vines Winery and Victor Hugo. Julie, and her fabulous staff from Des Jardin’s Day Spa and Salon, concocted chocolate martinis that were, as one guest put it, “absolutely delicious!”

The event was hosted by the REC Foundation and the City of Paso Robles, Library & Recreation Services. “Incendio”, a favorite at the summer “Concerts in the Park”, will be playing again this summer at the park on Friday, July 6th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

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