Athan Downs

Athan Downs. Byron D. Athan - a Life of Public Service. Born in San Francisco in 1918, Byron Athan joined the Army in 1941, and retired in 1964, as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served during world war two in the Pacific Theater and at the Pentagon. Byron enrolled in law school at the University of San Francisco prior to the war and completed his studies while on active duty following the war. He became an attorney in 1947. He moved to San Ramon in 1964, and involved himself in the area’s rapid growth from small farming communities to incorporated cities, serving on the board of directors for the Valley Community Services District (whose name changed in 1977, to the Dublin-San Ramon Services District) from 1966-1973. He served as President of the Board of Directors during the time a $6.7 million bond was passed with 73% of the vote. This park bond funded the development of the first two San Ramon parks, a senior center, and the San Ramon Olympic Pool. He was also involved with the creation of a park dedication fee paid by developers which helped to fund the District’s expanding network of community park and recreation assets in both San Ramon and Dublin. The Valley Community Services District deeded its parks, pools, and recreation centers to the City of San Ramon in 1988., ”Byron was always a gentleman, had a …strong character, [and was] a proud family man. He…was bright, articulate, and inquisitive. He loved the City so much, he felt is was an honor to serve.” , - Carol Rowley, City Council member 2003-2011, Byron served on the committee that led to the city’s incorporation in 1983. Thereafter, he served as City Attorney 1983-1995, on the City Council 1995-1999, Mayor 1998-1999. City Attorney 2004-2009, and as Interim City Manager twice. Prior to his passing on November 25, 2009, he was awarded the title of City Attorney Emeritus by the San Ramon City Council for his lifetime of public service., Athan Downs, In recognition of his support, as president of the Valley Commuinty Services District, for the park bond that funded development of San Ramon’s first public spaces and his unwavering commitment to issues affecting community parks and recreation, the Dublin-San Ramon Services District (as successor to the Valley Community Services District) named this park Athan Dows in honor of Byron D. Athan., This 20-acre community park began with soccer fields, with four baseball fields added after its opening in 1976. The City of San Ramon took over operations in 1988, and renovated the park in 1989 and again in 1996. In 2013, the playground was replaced with the City’s first universally accessible playground., The public art piece, “Legacy” by sculptor Madeline Wiener, located adjacent to the tennis courts, was commission in Byron Athan’s honor as a tribute to his lifetime of service to his family, his community, and his country., The City of San Ramon encourages our residents to enjoy this beautiful park in celebration of our historic past. By acquiring, protecting and maintaining this valuable parkland, the City of San Ramon is preserving for current and future generations natural places where people and other living things can thrive.