On April 25, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., families are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy free entertainment - the Jim Gamble Puppets at noon, followed by a special wildlife education presentation by The Animal Guys. Parking on campus is free.

The new Santa Monica College Quad is a small slice of green space heaven in the heart of the main campus - and since it opened last fall it has been a favorite spot for students and employees to study, relax, eat, meet friends and enjoy concerts and other special events.

But SMC wants the community to enjoy it also. That's why the college is holding its first-ever "Picnic on the Quad," a free event for the whole family, beginning at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 25.

Families are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy free entertainment - the Jim Gamble Puppets at noon, followed by a special wildlife education presentation by The Animal Guys at 1:30 p.m. Parking on campus is free.

SMC's beautiful new Quad has transformed the main campus experience for our students and our staff, said SMC Board of Trustees Chair Louise Jaffe. "We are very proud of it and we want our neighbors and the entire community to know that they are welcome to enjoy this beautiful new open space."

The four-acre Quad - a $9 million project funded by Measure U, the SMC bond approved by voters in 2002 - features a handsome promenade of pavers lined by palm trees and flanked by two large water fountains. Grass areas, trees, large planters and seating areas fill out the Quad. It was designed by tBP Architects and Meléndrez landscape architects.

The SMC main campus is located at 1900 Pico Blvd. and is easily accessible by several Big Blue Bus routes. In addition, there is ample free parking on campus on Friday afternoons, weekends and during school breaks.

For more information, call (310) 434-3001.