Dear Citrus Heights Community,
When your City of Citrus Heights leadership and team set out in mid-2022 to create new strategic objectives to implement city goals, we gathered data and feedback from our community to inform priorities. One of the things you told us was that, post-pandemic, it was important to you to build community connection through events and other engagement opportunities. Over the last year, we’ve created programs, resources, and new events that do just that: connect our community. Here are some highlights I wanted to share:
Stars and Stripes Celebration and Fireworks Show! A patriotic event has been a long-standing community desire, and we put together a show that was a blast for all who attended. Over 3,500 guests gathered at Van Maren Park to enjoy the live music of CC Seger, delicious food from local food trucks, and the spectacular firework show that capped off an evening of fun.
Community Block Party Trailer! Block parties are a great way to meet your neighbors, and the City of Citrus Heights wants to help neighbors connect by hosting neighborhood events using the new Community Block Party Trailer! It comes with everything residents need to host a gathering: tables, chairs, a sound system, coolers, trash receptacles, lawn games, and more. It is available for reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once a reservation is confirmed and coordinated, the city even drops it off and picks it up!
Community Projects Grant! This new pilot program aims to engage citizens in creative efforts to promote community involvement, pride, and connection by providing grants to community groups for special events and projects in Citrus Heights. The first round of funding supported an arts event series with Citrus Heights Arts, youth entrepreneurship programming with Junior Achievement, student cooking with Sunrise Christian Food Ministry, classes, community open mic and talent show nights with Royal Stage and senior friendship bags coordinated by Citrus Heights Women’s Club.
City Scoop Summer Series! City Scoop is a grassroots event series that kicked off in July and has been a great way for neighbors to connect in their local areas. Neighbors joined at different locations across the city to enjoy ice cream provided by our community partner, Leatherby’s Family Creamery, and learn more about what’s happening in their neighborhood. City Scoop allowed residents to learn about Neighborhood Areas, city projects in their area like Old Auburn Complete Streets, and how they can chip in through our Citrus Heights Cares campaign and beautification initiatives.
And more fun is on the way! Save the Date for even more events coming up!
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Wednesday, September 20th: Final City Scoop event at Westwood Park
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Sunday September 24th: Sunday Funday
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Saturday, October 14th: Fall Volunteer event
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Saturday, October 14th: Art Beat hosted by Citrus Heights Arts (a Community Projects Grant recipient)
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Thursday, October 19th: 2023 State of the City
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Saturday, October 21st: Howl’O’Ween Parade hosted by Citrus Heights Marching Band (a Community Support Grant recipient)
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Wednesday, October 25th: Trunk or Treat at Citrus Heights Police Department (hosted in collaboration with the Citrus Heights Police Activities League)
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Wednesday, December 6th: Annual Tree Lighting
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Spring 2024: With outdoor recreation providing great opportunities for community engagement, the Citrus Heights Arcade Cripple Creek Trail Project aims to do just that. Construction of this 2.9 mile multi-use trail is well under way and expected to be completed in the coming months, just in time for a ribbon cutting event in the Spring. This new trail segment will stretch from Sunrise Boulevard to Wachtel Way, connecting neighborhoods to parks, schools, shopping and more. Additional information on a celebratory trail opening event will be shared with the community as construction wraps up.
We are excited to foster a community where connection thrives through events and programs like the ones I shared and beyond. Check out our community events calendar citrusheights.net/events to learn about events in your city. Visit www.citrusheights.net/stayconnected for all the ways to get news from us and updated on all the fun and connection in Citrus Heights.
While there are many other advancements your City Council, leadership and staff team are focused on, I wanted to share a few highlights on this important work around community connection. I appreciate everyone that has been involved in putting these events together and to our great community who come out to celebrate Citrus Heights with their friends and neighbors.
In Your Service,
