Lodinews.com: Lodi Parks, Rec & Cultural Services

Hutchins Pool repairs about to move forward

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

We're taking the next step toward repairing the swimming pool at Hutchins Street Square. On Tuesday, we'll be asking the City Council (in a special meeting before or after the regular "shirtsleeve" study session) to award the project.

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, May 16, 2013 5:18 pm. Updated: 11:05 pm. Comments (0)

Second park police officer starting next week

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Our parks will begin receiving more attention next week from our parks patrol, as we bring a second officer on duty.

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 4:26 pm. Updated: 1:07 am. Comments (0)

Free swimming all summer at Blakely Park!

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Great news thanks to the incredible generosity of the Lodi community: We'll be having free swimming summer weekends at the Blakely Park pool complex, starting Saturday, May 25.

Posted in Lodiparks on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 4:58 pm. Updated: 1:07 am. Comments (0)

Possible mountain lion sighting in Nature Area

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

We've delayed opening the Nature Area at Lodi Lake Park today because of a reported mountain lion sighting there Monday evening.

Posted in Lodiparks on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 11:57 am. Updated: 12:02 am. Comments (0)

Skate Park has reopened and the box is back

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Although we have a few touch-up items to complete, we've reopened the Skate Park at Kofu Park after two weeks of repairs. About a dozen kids were in the parking lot after school today waiting for the good news. After I walked the park with our Park Superintendent, we agreed it was ready.

Posted in Lodiparks on Friday, May 10, 2013 4:05 pm. Updated: 1:03 am. Comments (0)

Summer Safari Kid's Camp going, going, gone?

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

It is May 9, the annual Summer Safari Kid's Camp at Lodi Lake Park is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 28. We do not have one child signed up for this program. Without sufficient enrollment to make it financially feasible, we will cancel the program for the summer. We will make that decision on May 20.

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, May 9, 2013 2:24 pm. Updated: 8:12 am. Comments (0)

Arts Commission/Council informed, entertained by Chef Larrazolo

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 5:45 pm. Updated: 10:14 pm. Comments (0)

Near-drowning drives home reason for river swimming prohibition

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Prominent signs along the bank of the Mokelumne River at Lodi Lake Park indicate no swimming or wading is allowed in the river. Three provisions of the Lodi Municipal Code address swimming in parks (12.12.145, 12.12.150 and 12.12.160) specifically forbid bathing/swimming/wading except where designated.

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 5:25 pm. Updated: 10:14 pm. Comments (0)

Annual Lodi Lake passes now on sale

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

We now have Lodi Lake annual parking passes available at the Recreation Division office, 125 N. Stockton Street. They cost $50 and are good through December.

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 5:19 pm. Updated: 10:14 pm. Comments (0)

Annual Lodi Lake Park parking passes available soon

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

With the onset of our mandatory fee payment for vehicle entry into Lodi Lake Park, we'll soon have annual parking passes available for purchase. They'll be the type that hangs from your rear-view mirror.

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, May 2, 2013 5:45 pm. Updated: 4:03 am. Comments (0)

Last week of regular registration for Lodi's summer swim league

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

The summer swim league is one of the most popular activities we have through the Recreation Division. Registration began April 1, and the regular sign-up period expires Thursday, May 2. The fee is $90 for Lodi residents, $110 for nonresidents.

Posted in Lodiparks on Friday, April 26, 2013 3:40 pm. Updated: 10:08 am. Comments (0)

Skate Park closing Monday for two weeks for repairs

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

The Skate Park at Kofu Park will be closing for two weeks, beginning Monday, April 29, so we can replace the worn skate ramp materials and bring back a "box" feature that was popular among the users. We have already had the metal frame of the box rewelded. We may have to do some welding work within the park, too, based on our initial assessments of the ramp features. If work goes quickly, we could reopen ahead of schedule. But for now, the closure is estimated at two weeks.

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, April 25, 2013 11:51 am. Updated: 2:06 am. Comments (0)

Age 75-and-over softball teams playing in Lodi today

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

We're happy to be the site of the Lodi Wine Country Classic softball tournament, which started today and lasts through Sunday. There are 22 teams participating, the youngest for players ages 55 and up.

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, April 25, 2013 11:43 am. Updated: 2:06 am. Comments (0)

City of Tracy cuts ribbon on 72 acres of sports fields, unique partnership

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

A few of us traveled to Tracy on Tuesday for the ribbon-cutting on Legacy Fields, a massive sports complex just north of I-205 just off North Tracy Boulevard. There's little there now but a roadway, some roadside landscaping and gravel parking lots, but the grand vision is for dozens of different sports fields on 72 acres to accommodate soccer, baseball, softball and football. Eventually, the park is to consist of 166 acres of various park uses.

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 3:51 pm. Updated: 9:01 pm. Comments (0)

UPDATED: Found an underground leak at Blakely Pool

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

APRIL 17 update: We've found additional leaks and are tearing up the deck around most of the south pool. Work should be completed by the end of next week, well ahead of the start of the summer swim programs. We believe the existing pipe, the source of the leaks, is about 55 years old.

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 3:51 pm. Updated: 9:01 pm. Comments (0)

Menopause the Musical sold out!

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

If you were planning on watching Menopause the Musical at Hutchins Street Square on Sunday, you'd better have tickets. We sold the last few tickets today. That's nearly 1,600 tickets for the two shows!

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, April 11, 2013 5:11 pm. Updated: 10:10 pm. Comments (0)

95 cubic yards of concrete poured today at Grape Bowl

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

The new concrete ramp connecting the future Grape Bowl entrance plaza to the south bleacher area was poured today, with work starting at 5 a.m. That was 95 cubic yards of concrete being formed and finished. Here are a few pictures from today, one of which shows the masonry wall under constructino near the future entrance.

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, April 11, 2013 2:40 pm. Updated: 10:10 pm. Comments (0)

Parks employees honored by Police Department for rescue

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Last June, a woman was found floating unconscious in Lodi Lake by her daughter. The daughter's screams brought several of our Parks Division employees running to the shore.

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 5:24 pm. Updated: 11:15 pm. Comments (0)

Saturday was a great day for Lodi PRCS!

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

The weather started iffy, but it ended up being a great morning Saturday for the Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department.

Posted in Lodiparks on Monday, April 8, 2013 5:33 pm. Updated: 5:06 am. Comments (0)

Join us Saturday in dedication of Roget Park, Arbor Day

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Saturday's a big day for the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department. Not only is it opening day for youth baseball and softball (ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m. at Salas Park, preceded by a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports), but at 11 a.m. we will dedicate the opening of Roget Park.

Posted in Lodiparks on Friday, April 5, 2013 5:24 pm. Updated: 12:11 am. Comments (0)

Fences come down at Roget Park

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

It's open!

Posted in Lodiparks on Monday, April 1, 2013 3:04 pm. Updated: 7:13 pm. Comments (0)

Recreation Commission meets Tuesday

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

We're doing something different for the Recreation Commission on Tuesday (April 2), and that's holding a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. It's to give commissioners a tour of Roget Park, which will be having next week what they call a "soft opening" in the retail trade.

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, March 28, 2013 5:53 pm. Updated: 11:06 pm. Comments (0)

Grape Bowl construction update

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

With dry weather for most of the past three months, construction is moving as a good pace at the Grape Bowl. We'll discuss what you can see from the following pictures:

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 4:17 pm. Updated: 1:13 am. Comments (0)

Tickets for In The Mood dwindling

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

It's always great to see demand for the shows we bring to the Lodi community at Hutchins Street Square. One that always sells well is "In The Mood," a tribute to the big-band era of the 1940s, that returns Tuesday night.

Posted in Lodiparks on Monday, March 25, 2013 4:06 pm. Updated: 11:10 am. Comments (0)

New parks police officer on duty

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Keeping Lodi's parks safe is a priority of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, and we've taken a step toward ensuring the public's enjoyment by creating a park police officer position.

Posted in Lodiparks on Monday, March 25, 2013 3:51 pm. Updated: 11:10 am. Comments (0)

Deal worked out to keep Camp Hutchins

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Lodi Health and the City have worked out a deal to extend the Camp Hutchins program. Details are available in the Lodi City Council agenda at www.lodi.gov.

Posted in Lodiparks on Friday, March 15, 2013 11:02 am. Updated: 4:07 pm. Comments (0)

New Zupo Field fence taking shape

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

The new outfield fence at Zupo Field is starting to take shape with the bottom rail completed and workers more than halfway through installation of the top rail on Wednesday. They expect to start putting up the fencing fabric Thursday and complete some time on Friday.

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 3:38 pm. Updated: 10:09 pm. Comments (0)

Ukulele strummers hit the Square

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

The Ukelele Strummers of the Square held a free performance Wednesday. Instructor Dennis Yamamoto led the group. Dennis teaches classes Tuesday evenings and Wednesdays. Here's the first song from their show Wednesday:

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, February 21, 2013 3:50 pm. Updated: 12:12 am. Comments (0)

Work progressing on lakeside repairs

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

It would be nice to have a bit more rain this winter, but the dry spell is allowing us to progress on the Grape Bowl as well as this bank repair.

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, February 14, 2013 7:02 pm. Updated: 3:12 am. Comments (0)

Nature Area closure related to construction

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

A whole lotta people enjoy daily walks in the Nature Area at Lodi Lake Park, and we've put a hiccup in their routines with a construction project to reduce erosion and protect a portion of the east bank at Lodi Lake.

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 4:45 pm. Updated: 8:00 pm. Comments (0)

Celebrating 100 years at Hutchins Street Square

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

The Hutchins Street Square Foundation held a low-key ceremony today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Square, formerly known as Lodi Union High School. The original cornerstone was placed on this day a century ago.

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 4:05 pm. Updated: 7:12 pm. Comments (0)

Moving lots of dirt today at the Grape Bowl

Jeff Hood

The ramp was really taking shape today as contractors from Diede Construction sculpted the mounded dirt that will result in a ramp leading spectators from the new Stockton Street entrance to the south bleachers at the Grape Bowl.

Posted in Lodiparks on Monday, February 4, 2013 3:29 pm. Updated: 11:08 pm. Comments (0)

Grape Bowl project starting to take shape

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Construction crews have been making good progress on the Grape Bowl project in recent weeks, thanks to mostly dry weather. About 645 cubic yards of dirt was delivered to the stadium today, which helped the earth-moving equipment and compactors to make good progress working on the ramp that will take spectators from the future Stockton Street entrance to the south bleachers.

Posted in Lodiparks on Friday, February 1, 2013 4:26 pm. Updated: 12:12 am. Comments (0)

100 cubic yards later, what a difference!

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 11:17 am. Updated: 7:09 pm. Comments (0)

Improving our playgrounds

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

We spend a lot of time and money to keep playgrounds safe for children, whether it's on inspections, repairing or replacing equipment, or making sure hard landings are few and far between.

Posted in Lodiparks on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 5:45 pm. Updated: 7:00 am. Comments (0)

Support youth sports at Saturday's crab feed

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Camaraderie. Community. Cause. CRAB!

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, January 24, 2013 5:45 pm. Updated: 2:08 am. Comments (0)

We're stunned, saddened by passing of Tony Rodriguez

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Posted in Lodiparks on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 5:07 pm. Updated: 10:02 pm. Comments (0)

Lodi "Idol" show Saturday night at Hutchins Street Square

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

With all the success of the various talent shows that fill the airwaves, it's only logical that Lodi would showcase its best performers.

Posted in Lodiparks on Friday, January 18, 2013 7:19 pm. Updated: 9:04 am. Comments (0)

Chocolate tasting and wine & chocolate pairing class

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Wine & Chocolate Weekend is one of the most popular events held by local wineries, and this year it's Feb. 9 and 10, just before Valentine's Day.

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, January 17, 2013 5:23 pm. Updated: 9:08 pm. Comments (0)

Seeking help to fund free swimming for Lodi's low-income youth

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

(Jan. 17 update: I've already heard from one person interested in getting together with friends and/or neighbors to fund one weekend, so that's an exciting start) If you've read this blog before, you're aware of the financial challenges this department faces in repairing the pool at Hutchins Street Square. Now that's a big-time expense we're facing, but we're moving forward to get it fixed because it simply needs to be done.

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, January 17, 2013 4:52 pm. Updated: 9:08 pm. Comments (0)

Enter our photo contest for the May Activity Guide cover!

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

We know there are a lot of great photographers out there, and today's cameras -- even smartphones -- make it easy to take some pretty sharp pictures. And what's a favorite subject of photographers? Our family members and friends taking part in activities around Lodi.

Posted in Lodiparks on Monday, January 14, 2013 11:09 am. Updated: 3:05 pm. Comments (0)

Twin Arbors assisting City with Hutchins Pool closure

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

We're excited to announce that Twin Arbors Athletic Club has stepped up in response to our problem with the Hutchins Street Square Pool. The club will be allowing "our" seniors who use the pool at Hutchins Street Square to continue their exercise program at Twin Arbors' pool on South Hutchins Street.

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 3:20 pm. Updated: 11:17 pm. Comments (0)

Hutchins Pool update

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

With the pool at Hutchins Street Square closed because it's simply worn out and needs repair, here's an update:

Posted in Lodiparks on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 5:22 pm. Updated: 3:06 am. Comments (0)

A bit of this, a bit of that

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

-- Just a last-minute reminder that Scot Bruce and his band will be playing music performed by Elvis Presley in the 1950s tonight at Hutchins Street Square. Tickets are no longer available on line, and only seats in the last few rows are available. The show is at 7 p.m.

Posted in Lodiparks on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 5:07 pm. Updated: 3:06 am. Comments (0)

Baseball/softball sign-ups are under way

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

Playing baseball or softball is a rite of spring for many boys and girls. In Lodi, it's time to start signing up for the 2013 season.

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, January 3, 2013 6:35 pm. Updated: 11:04 am. Comments (0)

Refunds available for Hutchins Pool passes

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

With the pool at Hutchins Street Square out of commission, there are a bunch of people out there who purchased multi-swim discount passes and can't use them. For now.

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 11:56 am. Updated: 11:04 am. Comments (0)

Hutchins Pool closed until further notice

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

This is a tough one. We'll have to keep the pool at Hutchins Street Square closed until we can replace the pool lining. It will be an expensive repair.

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, December 27, 2012 4:57 pm. Updated: 11:04 am. Comments (0)

Storm blasts Lodi Lake Park

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

We have the front gate closed at Lodi Lake today because of all the downed branches from Sunday's storm. The peak wind measured Sunday near Lodi Lake was 32 mph. There's a lot of tree debris throughout the park, and the Nature Area is closed because of one downed tree that we may not be able to remove for a week.

Posted in Lodiparks on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 1:50 pm. Updated: 11:04 am. Comments (0)

PRCS holiday hours

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

We'll be closing our doors at noon today, with some offices remaining closed through New Year's Day.

Posted in Lodiparks on Friday, December 21, 2012 11:36 am. Updated: 11:04 am. Comments (0)

Oak at Lodi Lake comes down

Jeff Hood, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

We have some staff members here who go way back, but not back far enough to answer this question:

Posted in Lodiparks on Thursday, December 20, 2012 4:36 pm. Updated: 11:04 am. Comments (0)

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