A variety of residents play Pokémon Go near the Veterans Memorial at the entrance to the Antioch Marina in downtown Rivertown, Thursday evening, July 21st. photo by Vanessa Hellman

By Allen Payton

A report by the Antioch Police on Wednesday, July 13 stated they responded to a call from security at 10:45 pm “regarding a large number of teens (100+) in and around the Antioch Marina. Upon arrival, it was learned they had gathered playing on the Pokémon Go APP. All of the kids remained calm and peaceful. They left a short time later.”

In an email message on Thursday, July 21st, Antioch business owner and resident Vanessa Hellman stated, “I think it’s really great how this Pokémon Go app is bringing people out and and about. I saw so many people down at the marina this evening from kids to older people all laughing together and sharing what they’ve ‘caught’ on Pokémon. I know it’s just a game but in a way I feel it’s bringing the community together.”

July is National Park and Recreation Month. To celebrate, the City of Antioch Recreation Department invites you to join the #SUPERJULY challenge and visit your local parks or join a program.

The social media challenge requires you post four pictures of yourself with friends and family in Antioch parks during July on the Recreation Facebook page by August 1st and you will receive prizes. Tell them which park or trail, what you are doing, and when.

To connect to the City of Antioch Recreation Department, click here. To learn more about the National Park and Recreation Month, click here.

The Bridge Marina Yacht Club in Antioch will present its 66th annual Opening Day Boat Parade at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 2.

Celebrating the 2016 Chinese calendar’s Year of the Monkey, this year’s boat parade theme is “Monkeying Around on the Delta.”

Decorated vessels will sail round-trip from the south base of the Antioch Bridge to the Antioch Marina.  The best public viewing is from the Riverview Lodge restaurant parking lot and I Street pier.

For more information and to enter the April 2 boat parade, please contact Wrenda Sabino at allstarws@comcast.net or (925) 516-2385.

For more information about Bridge Marina Yacht Club visit www.bridgemarinayachtclub.com.

By Taylor Pagan

The former Antioch recreation business known as Golf N Games will reopen under a new name, according to Marcus Jefferson, who announced his business plans at the January 12th city council meeting.

Jefferson introduced himself and KangaZoom franchise owner Trina Scott of Atlanta, Georgia during the Announcements of Civic & City Events.

“Since we are new to the Antioch area, we are asking for the city’s support,” he said.

Jefferson said he plans on hiring 20 employees, including veterans and those with disabilities. He also plans on having an after school program for children, as well as a “Mommy and Me” program for stay-at-home moms with toddlers.

In addition to updating the miniature golf course and batting cages, other amenities include a full cafe and free Wi-Fi. However, Jefferson said there would no longer be go-carts.

“It will be a real exciting place and something for all ages to enjoy,” he said.

Mayor Wade Harper said he just had a group of students telling him how it’s good that restaurants are opening up, but they need something for them. He said he can now tell them it’s coming.

“This is exciting,” Harper said. “So we definitely want to know how we can support this.”

He also said a council member who is knowledgeable about work force development would be reaching out to Jefferson.

“I brought the lease with me to let you know we are ready to sign and get going ASAP, and if the Lord says the same we will be open within the next month or two,” Jefferson said.