Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Classes & Registration
- How do I sign up for a class?
  In-Person Registration
  
  Parks & Recreation Dept Office
  7850 Quill Drive
  Downey, CA 90242
  M - F: 8:30am - 5:30pm
  
  BJR Community & Senior Center
  7810 Quill Drive
  Downey, CA 90242
  M - F: 8:00am - 5:00pm
  Sat: 10:00am - 2:00pm
  
  McCaughan Gym
  12544 Rives Avenue
  Downey, CA 90242
  M - F: 12:00pm - 6:00pm
  Sat: 10:00am - 5:00pm
  
  Online Registration
  
  Program registration can be completed and fees can be paid online by credit card (unless otherwise noted). You will need a valid e-mail address to register online. Convenience fee will apply to all online registrations. For questions or technical assistance please call the Parks & Recreation Department at (562) 904-7238.
  
  Register Online
- What type of payment is accepted for classes?
  Program registration can be completed and fees paid in person by cash, check or credit card at the locations listed above (unless noted otherwise).
  
  Program registration can be completed and fees paid online by credit card.
- How can I be eligible for the City of Downey resident rate for Parks & Recreation classes?
  To be eligible for the City of Downey resident rate for Parks & Recreation classes a valid driver's license or California ID or current utility bill with registrants name and City of Downey address must be shown at time of registration.
- What is the refund policy for classes?
  The City will issue a refund for a class, less 30% for processing, if a refund request is made prior to the first class date. No refunds will be made after the first class. Refunds made by check will be mailed within two to three weeks after request in the form of a check. Refunds for payments made by credit card will be refunded to your credit card.
Facility Reservations
- Which buildings and shelters can be reserved?
  Park Room & Shelter Reservation Information: Must be a resident of Downey (proof required). Reservations are taken for Saturday and Sunday only. Learn more about Park Room & Shelter Reservation fees and rules.
  - Park Shelters available at: Dennis the Menace, Furman, Golden, Rio San Gabriel and Wilderness Park
  - Park rooms available at: Apollo Park, Furman Park, and Golden Park
  - Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center: This Center allows for non-Downey residents/businesses to rent rooms as available, no rentals on Sundays. There are various rooms sizes and prices.
- How do I make a facility reservation?
  - Park Building and Shelter Reservations: Please click here to find the most current information
  - Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center: Please click here to find the most current information
- Is alcohol and/or live entertainment allowed in the parks?
  No alcohol. No live entertainment. CD players or radios are allowed, but nothing amplified.
General
- How can I reach the Parks & Recreation Department?
  Parks and Recreation Department
  7850 Quill Drive
  Downey, CA 90242
  (562) 904-7238
  
  Hours
  - Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  - Saturday and Sundays: Closed
  - Holidays: Closed
- What parks are within the City of Downey?
  View a list and map of all parks in the City of Downey.
- When does the Parks & Recreation Guide come out?
  The Parks & Recreation Guide is mailed out to Downey property owners:
  - Fall: beginning late August
  - Winter/Spring: mid-December
  - Summer: mid-April
  Additionally, you may find the current Parks & Recreation Guide online.
- How can I reach the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center?
  Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center
  7810 Quill Drive
  Downey, CA 90242
  (562) 904-7223
  
  Hours
  - Monday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
  - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:00am - 9:00pm
  - Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
  - Saturday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
  - Sundays and Holidays: Closed
Seniors
- Do the seniors play Bingo?
  Yes, Bingo for those aged 62+ is played each Wednesday and Friday, 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM in the Congregate Meal Program at the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center.
- Is there a way to receive assistance in understanding Medical/Medicare?
  A HICAP counselor can help you with questions or problems relating to Medicare (Parts A & B), Medicare billing and claims, managed care, supplemental insurance and long-term care insurance including Medical. This program is for those 65+ or disabled adults on Social Security. To make an appointment or for more information, please call the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center at (562) 904-7223 to meet with Zaida Theiss, CA State-registered Counselor (bilingual English/Spanish). Appointments are held each Tuesday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
- When can I sign up for tax preparation assistance at the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center?
  Income tax preparation is offered by AARP for those 50+ and is conducted each Monday and Wednesday by appointment or walk-in basis between 8:00 AM -- 4:00 PM. This service is provided February 1st – April 14th. Reservations for appointments begin in mid-January of each year by calling (562) 904-7223.
- Is there a senior meal program offered through the City?
  Yes, the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center hosts a Congregate Meal Program administered by Human Services. Lunch is served, Monday – Friday, at 11:30am. A nutritionally balanced hot lunch costs a suggested donation of $2.25 per person over 60+ or $4.50 for non-senior participant accompanying a senior 60+ in the meal program. Reservations are required a day in advance by calling (562) 862-8800. Bingo played each Wednesday and Friday, 10:15am – 11:15am. Limited space for same day reservations based on first-come first-serve.
  
  Meals for homebound Downey Residents. These programs are not administered by the City of Downey and interested parties should call each program to determine the best fit.
  - Meals-on-Wheels: (562) 806-1815
  - Human Services Association/ Home delivered meals – (562) 806-5400 ext. 136 (Bernice Garcia) or ext. 162 (Elizabeth Ruiz)
- Am I able to use the fitness room at the Barbara J. Community & Senior Center? Do I need to attend an orientation?
  Kaiser Permanente of Downey is a generous supporter of the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center (BJR) and are partners in assisting us in providing equipment for the fitness center bearing their name. Participants 50+ are able to access the Fitness Room during all regular BJR operating hours after they have completed a one-time, one-hour orientation on use of the equipment. The orientation hours are held each Monday and Friday from 2:00 - 3:00 PM and each Saturday from 9:30 – 10:30 AM by appointment only.
  
  Fitness Training Orientation: (Required BEFORE using equipment)
  - Monday & Friday: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
  - Saturday: 9:30am - 10:30am
  (Fitness Room CLOSED during Training Hours)
- What are the workout hours for the fitness room at the Barbara J. Community & Senior Center? What equipment does this fitness room provide?
  Fitness Room Workout Hours
  - Monday: 7:45am - 2:00pm / 3:00pm - 6:00pm
  - Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday: 7:45am - 9:00pm
  - Friday: 7:45am - 2:00pm / 3:00pm - 5:00pm
  - Saturday: 10:30am - 2:00pm
  Kaiser Fitness Center provides an opportunity to help keep older adults healthy and active through a complete array of fitness equipment for aerobic and weight training.
  
  Equipment includes:
  - (4) Treadmills
  - (4) Stationary Bicycles
  - (1) Multi-Station Gym
  - (1) Leg Press
  - (1) Recumbent Stepper
  - Free weight variety
- What is the Strength Training and Conditioning class offered for seniors at the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center?
  This free on-going class for those ages 60+ is offered by Cerritos College, and teaches older adults how to use dynabands to add resistance for strength training and conditioning, while moving to the music of the 50’s and 60’s. The class concludes with relaxation techniques and cool-downs. Walk-ins are welcomed.
  - Tuesdays: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
  - Fridays: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

City of Downey, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Classes & Registration

How do I sign up for a class?

What type of payment is accepted for classes?

How can I be eligible for the City of Downey resident rate for Parks & Recreation classes?

What is the refund policy for classes?

Facility Reservations

Which buildings and shelters can be reserved?

How do I make a facility reservation?

Is alcohol and/or live entertainment allowed in the parks?

General

How can I reach the Parks & Recreation Department?

What parks are within the City of Downey?

When does the Parks & Recreation Guide come out?

How can I reach the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center?

Seniors

Do the seniors play Bingo?

Is there a way to receive assistance in understanding Medical/Medicare?

When can I sign up for tax preparation assistance at the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center?

Is there a senior meal program offered through the City?

Am I able to use the fitness room at the Barbara J. Community & Senior Center? Do I need to attend an orientation?

What are the workout hours for the fitness room at the Barbara J. Community & Senior Center? What equipment does this fitness room provide?

What is the Strength Training and Conditioning class offered for seniors at the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center?