Dixon Grown's Popsicles in the Park series is allowing residents to meet with City Council members and staff in neighborhood parks while discussing topics ranging from growth and development to parks and public services. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon Grown's Popsicles in the Park series is allowing residents to meet with City Council members and staff in neighborhood parks while discussing topics ranging from growth and development to parks and public services.

The final event in the series is scheduled for 6 p.m. July 29 at Veterans Park, 1300 Valley Glen Drive. Councilmember Don Hendershot will attend, and complimentary popsicles will be available for participants.

The series was developed in response to community feedback requesting additional opportunities for residents to engage with city leaders outside of formal public meetings.

“Dixon created the Popsicles in the Park series in response to community feedback and as a way to continue fostering transparency and open communication with Dixon residents,” said Public Information Officer Emma McNeil.

McNeil said the idea grew out of the city's Dixon Grown workshop series, where residents expressed appreciation for meeting with city staff in neighborhood settings.

“Community members shared that they appreciated the opportunity to engage with City staff out in the community and expressed interest in more opportunities like it,” she said.

Rather than hosting additional meetings at City Hall, the city chose neighborhood parks to make participation more convenient and informal.

“The City wanted to bring these conversations directly into the community by hosting an event in each Council district rather than asking residents to come to City Hall,” said McNeil. “Neighborhood parks provide a relaxed, family-friendly setting where people can stop by, enjoy a popsicle and have informal conversations with City staff and City Council members.”

While the events have no formal agenda or presentations, residents are encouraged to ask questions and discuss issues important to them. As part of the Dixon Grown initiative, conversations often focus on community growth, although participants are welcome to discuss any city-related topic.

“We welcome conversations on just about anything important to our residents,” said McNeil. “Whether residents have questions, concerns, ideas or feedback about development, infrastructure, parks, public safety or other City services, these events provide an opportunity to speak directly with City staff and City Council members in an informal setting.”

Feedback collected during the events is documented and shared with city staff. Questions that cannot be answered immediately are referred to the appropriate department for follow-up.

McNeil said residents also have a formal opportunity to provide input through the city's current Notice of Preparation public review period, which remains open through 5 p.m. Aug. 3. Comments may be submitted online or by mail.

According to McNeil, attendance has been modest by design, allowing for more personal conversations between residents and city representatives.

“The community response has been positive,” she said. “While these events are intentionally casual and have drawn smaller groups, they have created opportunities for meaningful conversations with residents of all ages.”

Topics raised by residents have included community traditions, parks, development and city services.

“We've enjoyed hearing feedback on a variety of topics,” said McNeil. “Some of our youngest residents have shared that they love the Dixon Fire Department's Santa Run, while also reminding us that they'd like to see playground trash picked up more promptly.”

The city offers a variety of complimentary frozen treats during each event, including Bomb Pops, fruit-based popsicles and no-added-sugar options.

Although Popsicles in the Park was created to coincide with the Dixon Grown planning process and the Notice of Preparation review period, McNeil said the city's emphasis on community engagement will continue.

She said future outreach efforts will include Coffee with a Councilmember events, with dates and locations to be announced.

“Events like Popsicles in the Park are important because they create a welcoming space for residents to connect with their neighbors, engage with City staff, ask questions and better understand what's happening in the community,” said McNeil.

For more information, visit dixongrown.com/Popsicles-in-the-Park/ or email [email protected].