Community Spirit Comes Alive at Encino Park

The Encino community gathered Saturday in for an old-fashioned evening out with family and friends that included a screening of 'Shrek,' information on local resources and a chance to meet community leaders.

“These days there’s just so much going on and not necessarily a lot of really positive opportunities for communities to just pull together and get to know each other,” said Stacie de Armas, a local volunteer who coordinated the event. “And a night out at the movies for a family can be challenging, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to pull together the community right after back-to-school.”

The free night of music, dancing, food trucks and a movie was organized by the , the Friends of Encino Park in partnership with City Council District 5 to coincide with the first weekend back to school. 

Firefighters from Encino’s  allowed the children to climb into their fire trucks. They also sold LAFD shirts and sweatshirts to raise money for LAFD's Widow, Orphans and Disabled Firefighters Fund.

Emergency safety brochures and information were available for parents. Volunteers with Friends of Encino Park sold drinks for $1, which were donated by the local , to benefit the park and community center.

“As a family we’ve used the community center. My kids took classes there since they were six months old,” said de Armas, who has lived in Encino with husband and two children for eight years. “Since we’ve used all the services, I figured it was time we gave something back.”

The event was also made possible with donations from the Van Nuys Airport, Encino Chamber of Commerce, and Encino Neighborhood Council.                

“This is great,” said. “It’s bringing the community together with lots of kids, lots of parents. It’s just fun. It’s a good use of the park and a great way to end the summer.”