Zach Jones knows a thing or two about planning recreation services for a community that is literally split in half.
Prior to taking the job as the City of Lathrop’s Parks and Recreation Director, Jones held a similar post for the City of Elk Grove, which like Lathrop had a dividing line between the historic existing portions of the city and new clusters of development that had sprung up elsewhere.
With that experience in mind, Jones is bringing one of the things that worked well in his previous capacity – a roving Movies-in-the-Park event that will hit different city parks over the course of its 3.5-month long run.
“Sometimes it’s not feasible for people to drive across town to be able to enjoy an event that’s going on there, and this takes care of that,” Jones said. “We had a lot of successes there with this, and I think this is something that the community is going to enjoy.”
The series, which began on April 21, at the Lathrop Generations Center, continues on Friday, June 2 at Sangalang Park with a showing of the Disney movie “Moana.” All of the summer events begin at dusk, and those wishing to attend the event – which is free to the public – are encouraged to bring blankets and any sorts of snacks that they’d like to have as part of a small picnic.
Lathrop’s Parks and Recreation Department will be providing popcorn, as well as the movie.
“As part of our budget we were able to purchase an inflatable movie screen and I think is the perfect avenue for being able to share that with the community,” Jones said. “We encourage people to bring their family and come have a good time with other members of their community.
Other upcoming dates include a showing of “The Secret Life of Pets” on Friday, June 16 at Park West Park, “Sing” on Friday, July 14 at Valverde Park, and “Finding Dory” on Friday, Aug. 4 at Mossdale Landing Park.
For additional information contact the Lathrop Parks and Recreation Department at 209.941.7372.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.