Paramount Parks and Recreation
Posted by Buddy Jackson
on Sep 4, 2012
John Boogaard introduced Vince Torrez, Manager of the Paramount Parks and Recreation Department. Vince provided an update to what is happening in Paramount. Vince has been with the City of Paramount for 30 years all in Parks and Recreation.
Finally, after years of negotiations, the Paramount Fitness Park is under construction and scheduled for completion in February of next year. The park is located at Somerset and Texaco (near the Post Office) on 9.5 acres of Edison property. It will have a 440 yard running track with a synthetic turf infield. For walkers, walking trails with outdoor exercise equipment at various intervals along the way. An outdoor volleyball court complete with sand will also be included. Classes will be given on healthy cooking of hispanic food. The park is being paid for with federal grant dollars (taxpayer money) and not city funds.
Due to a reduced city budget (for the first time in several years the city had to lay off 17 employees). Fees had to be increased for some of the programs. Swim lessons went from $10 to $25 and Summer day Camp at Paramount Park (which provides breakfast and lunch, plus activities for 6 to 13 yearolds from 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday) increased to $75 per week (still a bargain). The increase in fees did not reduce enrollment.
Facilities/Parks
The City of Paramount has nine parks, two public swimming pools, and a number of other recreational sites available for use by residents and community groups. Parks feature safe, state-of-the-art playground equipment. Facilities such as the Paramount Gym, the Community Center, Progress Park Plaza, and the Village Skate Park are well-maintained and well-equipped resources offering a variety of uses. Call (562) 220-2121 for more information