The City of Grover Beach, in partnership with local internet services provider Peak WiFi, LLC and the Lucia Mar Unified School District, has launched an initiative to provide free wireless internet access at two local community facilities – 16th Street Park and Grover Heights Park. Demonstrating the power of public and private partnerships, this program gives all children in Grover Beach the ability to access and complete their school work via wireless devices, which has become that much more critical since the COVID-19 pandemic began. A similar program has also been started in Arroyo Grande.
“This internet access at the parks was enabled by our community camera program which provides enhanced digital video surveillance cameras monitored by the Grover Beach Police Department,” said John Peters, Grover Beach Police Chief. “We hope this will provide some peace of mind to parents and children alike that there is a safe and secure learning environment available to them.”
Peak WiFi also shared their excitement in being a part of this program. “We are delighted to be working with the City of Grover Beach in bringing free wi-fi to these local parks for our students. As the internet has become vital to their success, it is important that we enable them to learn and achieve,” said Tom Kosta, Founder and CEO of Peak WiFi.
The local wireless internet service being provided by Peak WiFi is available to any wireless device at both parks and should appear, respectively, as “16th St Park – By Peak WiFi” and “Grover Heights Park – By Peak WiFi.” It is available seven days a week between 7am and 7pm. Any parents with students attending a school within the Lucia Mar Unified School District can contact their school’s administrative office for additional information and the password. The district has also sent out an email to parents with this information.
State guidelines for child care facilities in the wake of COVID-19 coupled with distance learning instituted in schools continue to have a significant impact on child care availability for working parents. Ensuring Grover Beach children have the care and resources they need is essential to the well-being of children and families, as well as for economic activity by enabling working parents. The City of Grover Beach previously took steps to provide need-based financial assistance to Grover Beach families with child care needs through the Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA, and this new wi-fi program is another example of these efforts to further support these needs in the community.
“While COVID-19 has brought about immense challenges, we are glad we can continue to find new and innovative ways to support our community,” said Matthew Bronson, Grover Beach City Manager. “We look forward to our Grover Beach youth actively engaging in their studies while enjoying the atmosphere of our beautiful parks.”