REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR LOVE MY MOM FAMILY FITNESS EVENT

The 9th annual Love My Mom 5K and Kids’ Dash takes place Sunday, May 7. This popular event that celebrates family and community is presented by Folsom Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Palladio and Kaiser. New this year: the 5K course finish line and post-race festivities move to the Palladio Piazza. The starting line will still be located by Whole Foods, and the course route is fast and flat, making it an ideal route for runners, walkers, and stroller striders–leashed dogs are welcome, too. The fun Kids’ Dash for ages 10 and under will be held prior to the start of the 5K, with medals awarded to all registered participants.

Participants in the 5K will be electronically timed and special awards will be presented to top finishers in a variety of categories including single and double strollers, top mom, top female, and top male.

All registered 5K participants will receive a custom dry-fit shirt and unique commemorative finisher’s medal. At the finish area, all participants can explore vendor booths, enjoy DJ music, and refuel with light refreshments. Save on registration: use code “CityNews” for a $5 discount on each 5K registration at raceroster.com.

LITERARY GARDENS: GREAT BOOKS INSPIRED BY GREAT GARDENS

Throughout the history of literature, gardens have inspired authors and embellished their pages. At 1 p.m., Saturday, April 15, the Folsom Public Library will host a presentation on some of the most beloved gardens in fiction. Presenter Carrie Sessaregeo will discuss famous fictional gardens from Frances Hodgson Burnett's famous novel "The Secret Garden" to Sarah Addison Allen's novel "Garden Spells" with stops along the way at the gardens of Beatrix Potter, Emily Dickinson, Alice Walker, and many more.

SUMMER DAY CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 3

Online registration opens Monday, April 3 for Folsom Parks & Recreation summer day camps; selections include zookeeper camps, STEM camps, academic and enrichment camps, weekly themed Vacation Zone and Summer CAVE camps, and a huge variety of sports-focused camps. Camps are a great way for children to keep their minds engaged and bodies active through indoor and outdoor activities, creative play, and social interaction. The camps are conducted by trained and caring staff and provide a supervised, positive, and inclusive environment. Early registration is encouraged as many of the camps fill quickly. Call 916-461-6601 with questions.

FUTURE RIVER DISTRICT ENVISIONED

The City of Folsom is home to more than six miles of frontage on the American River and Lake Natoma—some of the city’s greatest natural resources. Folsom grew “around” the river and, in many cases, pushed the river into backyard areas of the community. Our beloved Historic District looks inward instead of looking out to the natural beauty of the river and lake. Our waterfront areas are underutilized, and access is limited and poorly identified. But this can change.

The Folsom 2035 General Plan process identified this shortcoming and recommended the city complete a River District Master Plan. The plan would serve as a more detailed vision of future opportunities and improvements that can be implemented over time. With more than 75% of the land within the River District comprised of federal and state properties, it will be imperative to work closely with California State Parks and the Bureau of Reclamation and within the framework of their own policy and planning documents. The remaining riverfront areas owned by the city and private property owners present unique and exciting opportunities.

Last year, the Folsom City Council funded the River District Master Plan process with a federal grant through the American Recovery Plan Act. At its January 24 meeting, the Council directed the formation of a River District Ad Hoc Advisory Committee. Recruitment is underway for a planning consultant experienced with the complexities of community planning, urban design, environmental and cultural resources, federal and state coordination, recreation, and community engagement.

Stay informed about the River District planning process at www.folsom.ca.us/RiverDistrict.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT REVITALIZATION PLANS TO BEGIN

The City of Folsom is kicking off a planning effort for the Central Business District, an important retail and commercial corridor located on East Bidwell Street, from Riley Street to Blue Ravine Road.

The city will identify a vision and prepare a revitalization plan to help guide future development and infrastructure improvements, which may include:

• Potential commercial, office, and housing opportunities
• Additional economic development
• Mobility and safety improvements

At the direction of the Folsom City Council, an advisory committee comprised of business owners, residents, and other stakeholders will be formed. Stay informed about the project at www.folsom.ca.us/CentralBusinessDistrict. For more information, contact City of Folsom planning consultant Kathy Pease at 916-812-0749 or kpease@masfirm.com.

City of Folsom Communications Director

Christine Brainerd | cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us | 916-461-6013 (office)

Get connected. Stay informed.

City of Folsom | 50 Natoma Street | www.folsom.ca.us