Facing future budget cuts and a state-wide economic crisis, Orange County Parks provided free food, zoo admission, park admission and train rides for an estimated 200-300 people on August 16, 2009, at Irvine Regional Park. The event, dubbed "Family Adventure Day," was paid for by OC Parks, but coordinated and hosted by Supervisor Janet Nguyen's office. Supervisor Nguyen, who attended the event, made the opening address to the invitees, which included her thanking her campaign staff in attendance for their hard work. Also in attendance was Garden Grove Councilman Andrew Do, who shared the stage with Supervisor Nguyen.
A request was made for the guest list, which was reportedly compiled by Boys & Girls Club of Westminster, but the list was not provided. According to OC Parks representatives, the Family Adventure Day was intended to reach Westminster residents who might be unaware of the recreational opportunities at Irvine Regional Park. OC Parks has not held a Family Adventure Day since before the county's bankruptcy 15 years ago. Estimates of the cost of the event was approximately $7000, not including overhead, personnel, and other internal "soft" costs.
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