FOLSOM PARKS & RECREATION HOSTS FESTIVAL OF EGGS MARCH 30

Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 30 and hop on over to Folsom’s Lembi Park, 1302 Riley Street, for the Festival of Eggs. The annual springtime event includes all the popular elements: a pancake breakfast (purchase onsite), free kiddie carnival games hosted by the Folsom Teen Council, entertainment, vendor displays, and lots of hands-on activities.

Kids ages 6 and under should arrive from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and ages 7 to 10 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.—remember to bring a basket with you. Pick up your Bunny Trail Map and begin your journey as you visit vendors along the trail to collect goodies and eggs. Join the bunny at the end of the trail for a special photo op to commemorate your day. Those who complete every stop listed on the map will receive a ticket for a special egg hunt and a chance to win a Golden Egg Prize.

This well-attended community event provides an excellent outreach opportunity for local businesses and organizations. Email fnelson@folsom.ca.us or jkarges@folsom.ca.us for information about partnership and vendor opportunities.

The City of Folsom hosts an Earth Day celebration Saturday, April 20. This free, family-friendly event brings the community together through volunteerism, fun activities, and inspiring exhibits that raise environmental awareness.

The event begins at 9 a.m. with volunteer opportunities followed by an informational and fun festival near City Hall. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Creek Cleanup
• Trail Cleanup
• Arbor Day Tree Planting
• Trail Maintenance

Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/EarthDay.

Repair and maintenance work on the city’s water distribution system will require overnight northbound lane closures on the Rainbow Bridge March 25-26 and April 2-3. Northbound Greenback Lane between Folsom-Auburn Road and Scott Street will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Motorists are encouraged to take Lake Natoma Crossing to Natoma Street to Riley Street as an alternative route. The City of Folsom does not anticipate the closures will create significant traffic delays. Detours will be clearly marked. Message signs will alert motorists in advance of the lane closure.

For more information, contact Assistant Civil Engineer Nathan Stites at 916-461-6167 or nstites@folsom.ca.us.

ANIMAL-THEMED STORYTIME AT THE FOLSOM ZOO SANCTUARY

Join our wonderful zoo sanctuary docents at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 28 for storytime. These lively sessions feature animal-themed stories accompanied by related animal puppets to help engage young audience members and bring the story to life. The books used for storytimes are appropriate for ages 4+, but all ages are welcome to attend.

These storytimes are held the fourth Thursday of each month at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, on the outdoor Canid Patio or inside the Barnyard Experience (depending on weather conditions). Admission is free with regular zoo admission; purchase tickets online or at the gate.

SELF-SERVE COMPOST PILES IN HIGH DEMAND

With the arrival of spring, the city has experienced a significant increase in the usage of self-serve compost piles. City staff are diligently working to replenish the piles to meet the seasonal demand. In fact, over 48 tons of compost were delivered to the self-serve locations in just seven days! Piles are restocked based on staffing availability and incoming deliveries.

These compost piles are conveniently located at 50 Natoma Street (behind City Hall) and the Hinkle Creek Nature Trail on Oak Avenue Parkway near Fire Station 36. Utilizing compost from these locations for home and garden applications closes the loop on organics recycling, enhances soil quality and water retention, and promotes stronger plant health. For more information, visit www.folsom.ca.us/organics.

COMMUNITY INPUT SOUGHT ON FOLSOM WATER VISION 

The Environmental and Water Resources Department is embarking on an effort to shape the city's water management strategies for the next 50 years. Currently reliant on Folsom Reservoir for drinking water, the city recognizes the need to explore alternatives in anticipation of future challenges like droughts and floods.

The city’s recent stakeholder meeting saw over 50 participants sharing valuable feedback on what matters to them regarding Folsom's water. From concerns to desired changes, every opinion counts. Details and a recording of the workshop are available on the city’s website.

Understanding the community’s needs and priorities for water resource management is vital to the success of this planning effort. Please take a short survey to provide input on Folsom's water supply. This input will assist in shaping the city's long-term water planning efforts. The survey concludes March 31.

The community is invited to the second in a series of public meetings to learn about the project and share your needs, interests, and goals for creating a resilient water future.

Folsom Water Vision Meeting

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16

Folsom Police Department Training Room

46 Natoma Street

For more information, contact Environmental and Water Resources Director Marcus Yasutake at 916-461-6161 or myasutake@folsom.ca.us. Stay informed at www.folsom.ca.us/watervision.

GET IN GEAR FOR FOLSOM PEDAL QUEST MAY 4 

Folsom Pedal Quest brings friends and families together Saturday, May 4 to explore the city on two wheels and kick off Folsom Bike Month! Riders will choose their “Quest” from self-guided routes that showcase the connectivity of Folsom’s paved bike paths. Routes start and finish in Historic Folsom, with distances ranging from 1.5 to 30 miles for all ages and abilities to enjoy.

There’s even something for the littlest ones with the Balance Bike Bash in Historic Folsom! Kids on balance bikes get the opportunity to race around an obstacle course on the closed portion of Sutter Street.

Registration is free! Reserve your spot now at www.folsompedalquest.com.

Folsom Bike Month is part of the larger Sacramento Region May is Bike Month movement to get more people on bikes.

Folsom Pedal Quest Volunteer Opportunities 

Get involved and make new friends in the cycling community as a Folsom Pedal Quest volunteer! Help in Historic Folsom with participant check-in, raffle, and balance bike races. Or spend the day volunteering at one of our rest stops as a guided ride leader or roving bike support. All volunteers will receive a Folsom Pedal Quest t-shirt to thank them for their time. 

Learn more and sign up to volunteer. 

The 10th annual Love My Mom 5K and Kids’ Dash takes place Sunday, May 5. This popular event that celebrates family and community is presented by Folsom Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Palladio and Kaiser. The start and finish are 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 special 10th anniversary finisher’s medal and other custom swag.

The post-race festivities take place in the Palladio Piazza, with a variety of vendor booths to explore, DJ music, delicious refreshments, and a raffle for high-value prizes. Save on registration: use code “CityNews” for a $5 discount on each 5K registration at raceroster.com.

YOUTH RECREATION SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Scholarships are available to help children and youth access Folsom’s recreational opportunities through the City of Folsom Program for Local Assistance Youth Recreation Scholarships (PLAYRS). The PLAYRS program provides financial assistance for Folsom youth to participate in city recreation activities who could not otherwise due to financial restrictions. Guidelines have been established to assist resident families. PLAYRS scholarships are based on need, merit, and available funding. Visit the City of Folsom website to learn more about the program and to apply.

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