As summer draws nearer and the community looks forward to longer, warmer days, the Recreation and Parks Commission discussed a variety of programs that will get residents and nearby neighbors involved with the outdoors. Upcoming events aim to educate, entertain and enrich the community.
Recreation and Parks Commission Award
During the meeting, Recreation Services Manager Adrine Ovasapyan announced the return of the Recreation and Parks Commission award to recognize outstanding organizations, businesses and individuals who contribute to the well-being of the city. The award has been given a number of times in the past, but not consistently, as Ovasapyan explained. “We’re looking forward to bringing that back,” she said. “The commission recognizes those who have excelled in their efforts through dedication and service in making an outstanding contribution, demonstrating a commitment in the field of Recreation and Parks.”
Commissioners and members of the community can submit nominations from May 1 to May 31 through the online form at BeverlyHills.org/RPCAward. Once all nominations are in, the commissioners will evaluate candidates and select recipients to be posted on the website. “It’s one of the little things that we can do to show our community members and those who may come into our city on a daily basis for work and really make an impact that we appreciate them, and it doesn’t go unnoticed,” said Chair Amie Sherry.
Beverly Hills Second Annual Day of Wellness
Ovasapyan also announced the return of a Recreation and Parks event for its second year in a row. The Beverly Hills Day of Wellness will take place on Sept. 22 as summer comes to an end, giving members of the community a chance to unwind, enjoy thoughtfully curated food and drinks and participate in a number of activities to promote mental and physical wellness. Like last year’s event, practitioners will join the community at Roxbury Park for complimentary sessions with presentations and information booths to educate and inspire.
Last year’s event included classes such as yoga, tai chi, Pilates, nutritional strategies, singalong for wellness, and various others. All classes are free, and participants can sign up beforehand on the city of Beverly Hills website.
New this year will be a larger selection of food and drink offerings that fall in line with the overall theme of wellness, and perhaps a speaker on social media’s effect on mental health. Sherry explained the importance of the topic, especially for Beverly Hills’ teen community. “Such a hot topic now is the impact of social media on our kids and how they’re spending their time each day,” she said. Last year’s event offered a class on social media safety for families, but this would focus more on its neurological impact.
Programs at Greystone Mansion and Gardens
Following an approval last month from the Recreation and Parks Commission, Recreation Services Manager Michael Muse led a presentation at the April 23 meeting to discuss the tiny forest at the Doheny Estate. During the presentation, Muse explained the responsibility of the commission to maintain and preserve the new addition to the gardens, especially since the land is classified as a city park.
Apart from the new addition to the grounds, he also noted the successful programs the commission already leads at the Greystone Mansion. The committee agreed to continue many of the traditions that have already been successful in previous years such as Holidays at Greystone, Demonstration Garden in conjunction with the Arts and Culture Commission, Teen Movies Night and Family Dances. “We’re so fortunate to have Greystone as a gem in this community that we can engage in,” said Commissioner Myra Lurie.
Other Upcoming Summer Events
The commission also discussed upcoming events such as the Farmers’ Market Rugelach Contest on May 5, kicking off Jewish American Heritage Month. As of April 23, there were 13 contestants, but there were still seven entries available. Members of the community can sign up at BeverlyHills.org/RugelachBakingContest.
Summer camp is also just around the bend and registration is still open, but camps are filling up quickly. In the first few days of registration, as Ovasapyan announced, 20 camps filled to capacity. As of the commission hearing, nine camps were 80 % full and still accepting both residents and non-residents. Those who would like to sign up can do so at BeverlyHills.org/BrochuresandRegistrationForms.
