Oct. 2 Daily Briefing: Parks progress, snow guessing contest, airport volunteers needed, and more

Welcome to Thursday, where we hope you have a meaningful Yom Kippur. While it’s not quite sweater weather out there, and the pumpkin spice lattes are best served cold, one sure sign of fall will arrive this evening: VillageFest returns to its 6 p.m. start. The popular Thursday night street fair features more than 100 vendors, live entertainment, and food up and down Palm Canyon Drive. In the hotter months it starts at 7 p.m. But as temps cool, and the sun dips behind the hills a little earlier, it’s perfectly comfortable for you and our visitors at 6 p.m. The fun lasts until 10 p.m. And who knows, you might just see a future American Idol winner performing!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Back In Black” by AC/DC

LEADING OFF

Palm Springs moves forward on multiple park improvement projects

The Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Commission on Monday approved an $800,000 tram-themed playground replacement for Desert Highland Park and received updates on three other major park projects.

Driving the news: The commission unanimously approved a design that pays tribute to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, combining two separate play areas into one structure where children climb ramps mimicking the mountain ascent, reach a platform with a tram cutout, then slide down representing the descent.

• The playground will include slides, swings, musical equipment and features for children with special needs, including transfer stations for wheelchair users and communication panels for nonverbal children.

What’s next: Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 pending City Council approval.

Also moving forward: At Ruth Hardy Park, construction crews are making progress on a playground replacement project that began Sept. 2, with a target completion date of Dec. 23.

• Demolition was completed by Sept. 12, and post and structure installation was underway as of Sept. 22.

The latest: The inoperable Downtown Park splash pad project is nearing completion with most mechanical work finished and a long lead time item expected to arrive by the end of October.

What we’re watching: The city is moving forward with plans to relocate and replace the restroom at Victoria Park, with the facility reoriented so entrances face the playground, volleyball courts and picnic area for better supervision.

• The project is expected to go before the City Council for approval in October or November.

Read or share the compete story online

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BRIEFLY

🚠 Tramway launches annual snow guessing contest

• The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s annual snow guessing contest began Wednesday and runs until the first measurable inch of snow falls at the Mountain Station, which sits at 8,516 feet elevation.
  
• The first 10 people who correctly predict the date of snowfall will receive four regular tram admission tickets and a special tram gift memento. If more than 10 entries are correct, winners will be selected by earliest postmark date.
  
• Details: To enter, participants must write their predicted date on a postcard and mail it to: Snow Guessing Contest, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Only one date per postcard is allowed. Complete rules are available here.

🐾 Animal Shelter requests donations of towels, sheets, more

• The Palm Springs Animal Shelter is asking the public to donate new or gently used sheets, towels and cardboard trays (like those that hold a case of cans) as supplies run low and cannot meet daily needs for the hundreds of animals in its care.
  
• Shelter officials said the items provide comfort, safety and basic care for animals during their stays at the facility at 4575 East Mesquite Ave.
  
• Bottom line: Donations can be dropped off at the shelter, where staff say every item helps support daily operations and improves conditions for animals awaiting adoption.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Pre-Shredding Drop Off
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | City Hall
For those who are unable to make the Oct. 4 free shredding event at the convention center, you are invited to drop off your materials for shredding inside Palm Springs City Hall from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.. A list of acceptable materials here.

Preschool and Baby Story Times
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Public Library at Rimrock Plaza
Children’s Librarian Nancy reads stories, sings songs, and shares early learning concepts. Preschool story time is from 10-11 AM and Baby story time is at 11 AM – 12 PM each Thursday morning, unless otherwise noted.

Art Museum Free Admission
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum 
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy free admission to galleries and exhibitions, and explore the collection at your own pace. 

Community Food Bank Distribution
5 p.m. | The Center
We operate under a drive-thru model servicing food directly to your own vehicle. Walk-ups accepted. We will service food on a first come-first serve basis until our supplies for each distribution day last.

Public Arts Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
This Commission is responsible for procuring and placing visual art in and around the city of Palm Springs. Commissioners will hear several updates on ongoing projects.

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs  
Weather permitting, the street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. 

Cabaret L’Amour
7 p.m. | The Velvet Rope
Step behind the Velvet Rope and into a glittering world of decadence, delight, and divine mischief. Cabaret L’Amour is more than a show—it’s an experience! A glamorous night out you’ll never forget. ($15)

View all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• WALLSPACE October Modernism Exhibition at Janssen Artspace starting Friday
  
• “Do You Remember?” screening with Clive Davis and Barry Manilow on Friday
  
• Free shredding event on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the convention center
  
• Blue Zones Palm Springs Well-Being Festival on Saturday starting at 10 a.m.
  
• Book launch: Tu-Tu and the Lizard’s Great Escape by local author Charlie Ervin Saturday at 2 p.m.
  
• One Night Out Paris benefitting The Foundation for PSUSD on Saturday
  
• Woodman Shimko Gallery Reopening on Oct. 10
  
• Junior Ranger Expo at Indian Canyons on Oct. 11
  
• Architectural Preservation Awards on Oct. 11
  
• Modernism Week October starting Oct. 16
  
• Wet + Wild Party Benefitting Palm Springs Police and Fire at Desert Hand Car Wash on Oct. 23.
  
• Pride on the Page on Nov. 1

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AND FINALLY …

Ever wish you could hang out at the airport but didn’t have to travel? Here’s your chance!

Driving the news: Palm Springs International Airport is seeking volunteers to join its growing Navigator program, which helps travelers with wayfinding and adds a welcoming touch to the airport experience.

• Airport officials are looking friendly faces who can assist passengers navigating the terminal and share local knowledge with visitors.

Why it matters: The Navigators serve as ambassadors for Palm Springs, offering that signature desert hospitality that helps set PSP apart from larger, more impersonal airports.

How to apply: Those interested in volunteering can learn more about the program and submit applications at this website.