Santa Ana residents could soon meet Zoo animals, or enjoy other family-friendly activities at schools, parks and community centers through the city’s latest mobile outreach vehicle program.
The Santa Ana Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency’s mobile outreach and engagement vehicles – named RECREAuto and ZOOmie – have rolled out to extend learning opportunities and sports, arts, wellness and other activities to neighborhoods throughout the city.
The vehicles, which city officials say were funded by the Cannabis Public Benefit Fund and Measure X, cost an estimated $200,000 in equipment, supplies, marketing material and outfitting.
ZOOmie and RECREAuto have appeared at the city’s summer movie series and other public events since the program soft-launched at the end of March – appearing first at this year’s Easter Egg Hunt.
“Resources like this get the community together,” said Ingrid Morales, who took her three daughters to the RECREAuto and ZOOmie booths at the June 28 movie night alongside her husband. “They provide a place to learn and bond with our kids.”
RECREAuto offers activities from a variety of genres, including sports, arts, games, nature, cultural, fitness and wellness, as well as information on Santa Ana Parks and Recreation resources – such as workshops happening at the city’s recreation centers.
“A lot of people like the fact that we are setting up proper areas for the kids to play with art, games and other activities at events,” said Bryan Flores, 19, a program leader with Santa Ana Parks and Recreation.
ZOOmie features interactive nature-based activities, such as opportunities to meet animals and themed crafts directly from Zoo staff.
“I think the mobile zoo is a great idea because it gives younger kids an opportunity to learn about nature in a fun way,” said Penny Human, 11, a Santa Ana resident who visited the ZOOmie booth set up at the park with her mother and sister.
ZOOmie’s “animal ambassadors” include smaller Zoo animals, such as a three banded armadillo, a pancake tortoise, a rosy boa, a California Kingsnake, other unique reptiles and invertebrates such as millipedes and beetles.
“I feel that it’s important for the community to have an informal science learning opportunity to experience outdoor activities and animals in a way that’s local,” said Janelle Parsons, Zoo Education Specialist.
The outreach vehicles may soon have a schedule that Santa Ana families can follow.
“We are hoping to, by the end of the year, have a nice, scheduled rollout to specific parks every week, in addition to city-wide events,” said Rudy Hernandez, Recreation Supervisor.
A local visit from RECREAuto can be requested through an online form.
Erika Taylor is a Voice of OC Tracy Wood Reporting Fellow and photojournalist. You can find her on Instagram @camerakeepsrolling or email at etaylor@voiceofoc.org