GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley Parks and Recreation returned to Manuel Vierra Park with the third annual Picnic in the Park.

Saturday, June 15, Gridley Parks and Rec (GPR) invited the community to come out and enjoy family-friendly games, bounce houses, dunk tanks and airbrush tattoos under the shade of the park’s giant oak trees.

Local firefighters from CAL FIRE/Butte County/Gridley Fire Department volunteered in the dunk tank and visited with youth. Excited children lined up to try their aim.

 CAL FIRE/Butte County/Gridley Fire Department Firefighter Alex Klien smiles as he stands next to a sitting Zach Downing. Photo provided by Ashley Ayala

 Kids line up for a chance to dunk a Gridley firefighter! Photo provided by Ashley Ayala

Members of the Lions Club, Gridley Parks and Recreation Department and Gridley Police Department mingled and visited with the community as they volunteered.

 Gridley Police Department’s Officer Reusser and Officer Warren visited with the public. Photo provided by Ashley Ayala

Gridley Parks and Recreation director Ashley Ayala said, “The Community Picnic is important because it is a way for the entire community to come together, including Gridley Recreation and other organizations like CAL FIRE and the Lions Club.”

“It is our hope that this event gains traction to continue to celebrate the wonderful community in which we live all while giving back to youth and their families,” Ayala added.