Weekend Routine: David Donery and His Family Get Outside

As San Anselmo’s Community Services Director, David Donery’s responsibilities include overseeing recreation programming, special events and managing the recreation department’s staff. He’s been working for the town for roughly three years – he came to San Anselmo after serving as the community services supervisor in San Rafael, where he played a central role in the seven-year renovation and expansion of the Pickleweed Park Community Center and Library.

Out and about with the family

On the weekends, the longtime San Anselmo resident and his wife, Jennifer, spend a lot of time outside with their children: the 7-year-old Sinéad and 4-year-old Cavan. Regular activities include back-to-back athletic games to cheer on the kids or riding bikes. A favorite cycling spot is Golden Gate Park for the whole family (they go into the city regularly to visit grandparents too), or taking Cavan to Red Hill Park, where a concrete path along the edge of the athletic field is a perfect place for a preschooler still learning to ride bike, Donery said.

Visiting 'Tina and Timmy' turtle

Other weekend traditions include visiting turtles at Lake Lagunitas, specifically “Tina and Timmy turtle,” as Sinéad and Calvan refer to the reptiles. The family also tends to their “farm” -- their home garden that includes peppers, beans, tomatoes and strawberries, Donery said. The Sunday farmers market at the Civic Center is another popular family destination.

Regulars at Taco Jane’s and Iron Springs

Donery said the family frequents Taco Jane’s, where Donery is partial to the “Snapper burrito” and the kids usually opt for the quesadilla kids meal. Another favorite is Iron Springs. “Both of those restaurants are very community-oriented and give a lot back,” Donery said.