By Lookout Staff

November 5, 2013 -- It would be hard to imagine PAL’s PALpalooza without Pacific Park, and it’s not just the alliteration. The amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier is a major supporter of the Santa Monica Police Activities League.

Last week, PAL officials recognized that support by honoring Pacific Park CEO Mary Ann Powell with the non-profit-organization’s “Golden Pumpkin” award at the 22nd Annual PALloween Carnival.

The award, presented by PAL director Eula Fritz at The Barker Hanger in Santa Monica Thursday, recognizes those who “have made a difference in the community, a difference in other people’s lives, or both,” PAL officials said.

In Pacific Park’s case, it was both. The popular park hosts PALpalooza every summer, which this year drew some 500 youth from different neighboring Police Activities Leagues who enjoyed a day of rides, games, food and fun, Fritz said. (“PAL’s Night Out at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier,” August 8, 2013)

Pacific Park has also been a major sponsor of PALloween, PAL’s Golf & Tennis Tournament, and the Holiday Workshop.

“Needless to say, Pacific Park has generously supported PAL for many years, and we owe much gratitude to Mary Ann Powell,” Fritz said.

Powell said Pacific Park is “passionate about the community and makes every effort to support PAL in their many wonderful and successful programs.

“As a parent and businessperson, it’s imperative that we work within and give back to our community,” Powell said. “I’m truly grateful PAL has recognized me, but the honor is shared with all the employees at Pacific Park.”

Past recipients of the “Golden Pumpkin” award include Judi Barker of the Santa Monica Air Center – The Barker Hangar, who has donated her hangar to PAL for the Halloween carnival over the last 22 years, and Joe Cristina, founder of Children Affected by Aids Foundation.

The Santa Monica Police Activities League is Pacific Park’s non-profit charitable organization on the Westside of Los Angeles. The amusement park is also an ardent supporter of Special Olympics Southern California throughout the region.

Pacific Park is LA’s only admission free amusement park, offering 12 amusement rides, 17 midway games and an oceanfront food plaza. In addition to the Pacific Wheel solar-powered Ferris wheel, Pacific Park’s signature rides include The West Coaster, a steel roller coaster that races 55 feet above the Santa Monica Bay; and Inkie’s Air Lift Balloon Ride, the high-flying, family-sharing kids’ ride.

For additional information and hours of operation, call 310-260-8744, visit www.pacpark.com.