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Health & Fitness

CHARLES F. KENNEDY AND KENNEDY PARK, UNION CITY

It is so sad to remember the tragic day of November 14, 1971, Union City lost a close friend when Charles F. "Chuck" Kennedy perished in a Newark automobile accident.  Kennedy was one of the pioneers in the city's govermental structure.  He first visited the Bay Area during World War II when stationed briefly in Alameda.  At the war's end he returned to his home state, Pennsylvania, but the old attractions just weren't the same.  So like many others, Chuck went west returning to the Bay Area.

In 1964, Kennedy became Union City's first Park and Recreation Director.  His first goal was to find financing for city parks.  Two years later, the city passed a million-dollar bond issue for parks and Kennedy began a program to dot Union City with both small playgrounds and large community parks.  His fondest dream was realized when a Community Center and Park was dedicated on Decoto Road.  Kennedy, an easy-going man, was totally engrossed in this work.  Controversy was alien to the 51-year old park director.  When the decaying Decoto Youth Center on E Street was to be discontinued, local citizens objected.  Kennedy acceded to public demand and helped fund the Center.

Charles F. Kennedy was a member of the Knights of Columbus of Union City, No. 6288, the Union City Lions Club, California Park and Recreation Society and American Forestry Association.  His daughter, Helen Kennedy, is an active community member of Union City.

Charles F. Kennedy will not be forgotten in Union City.  The community's parks and playgrounds are living reminders of his dedication to the beautification of a young suburb.  His ready smile, warm handshake, soft voice and companionship will be missed.





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