Using wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, and lots of very early morning determination, more than 30 volunteers faced the low morning temperature and coastal fog on Saturday, July 24, to undertake a sizable spruce-up of Benicia’s Alvarez Park at W 9th Street.
The volunteer event was sponsored by Benicians Adopting Benicia (BAB), which is part of the newly formed Benicia Community Foundation (BCF) and received significant support from the City’s Parks and Community Services Department.
“The City estimates our volunteers spread between 40 and 60 yards of much-needed mulch around the park”, said BCF Vice Chair Kristine Passalacqua. “The City provided the mulch that was then spread across the park by the volunteers, including City Council member Lionel Largaespada,” she added.
In addition to the materials the City provided, Bruce Adams, owner of Bottom of the Fifth Bar and Restaurant, donated lunch for all participants.
BCF Board Member Kathy Smith said, “ it was a wonderful community turnout. Thank you for your hard work it was deeply appreciated. Plus, we also lucked out from the weather in keeping us cool.”
According to Terry Scott, BCF Executive Director, “The BAB is doing an incredible job of collaborating with the City to provide volunteer resources to continue its mission of beautifying our community. “
”BAB was created to unite community volunteers to assist in the care, maintenance, and beautification of our many city parks, open spaces, and other sites,” said Ms. Passalacqua.
BCF’s Chair David Batchelor added that “I want to thank our local volunteers for helping us this last weekend. We are so grateful for supporting our projects and helping to make our community a better place to live, work and play!!”
“BAB is currently developing a number of new community improvement projects, and we will be letting the community know when and how they can volunteer to help make Benicia a better place,” noted Ms. Passalacqua.
For more information on Benicians Adopting Benicia or Benicia Community Foundation, please continue to visit this website.