Author: Elena Burge

CRPD General Manager Recognized for Commitment to Quality Governance

Posted on by Elena Burge

 

CRPD General Manager Patrick Larkin poses with Chairperson Brian Danzl (right) and Vice-Chairperson Rick Sloan (left after accepting his certificate at the California Special Districts Association Annual Conference in Indian Wells on September 10, 2024. Photo: CRPD 

INDIAN WELLS, CA – Cordova Recreation and Park District (CRPD) General Manager Patrick Larkin was recognized at the California Special Districts Association (CSDA) Annual Conference in Indian Wells for his commitment to the community following his completion of the Special District Leadership Academy. In recognition of his work towards improving the leadership capabilities of CRPD, Larkin was awarded the Special District Governance Certificate. 

Obtaining this certificate highlights Larkin’s commitment to CRPD, the community and special districts across the state. By seeking out this professional development opportunity, certificate recipients demonstrate a strong dedication to delivering the highest quality service to the community they represent. 

This program aims to equip members of special district leadership teams with key skills in areas such as community leadership, strategic planning, human resources management and financial accountability, along with other essential leadership competencies. In addition to completing the Special District Leadership Academy, Larkin fulfilled ten hours of continuing education to complete the program. 

The Special District Leadership Academy is supported by the CSDA and the Special District Leadership Foundation, reflecting their ongoing commitment to offering valuable development opportunities for California’s special district leadership. 

 

Eagle Scout Project Honors Legendary Tuskegee Airmen in Veteran’s Park 

Posted on by Elena Burge

 

Gregory Rubio of Boy Scout Troop 281 poses with members of the Tuskegee Airmen Heritage Chapter of Greater Sacramento in front of the newly unveiled memorial signs. Photo: CRPD 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA – On Saturday, September 7, community members gathered to celebrate the unveiling of a set of informational signs memorializing the legendary Tuskegee Airmen installed by Boy Scout Gregory Rubio from Troop 281 in Cordova Recreation & Park District’s (CRPD) Veteran’s Park. The ceremony garnered over 200 attendees between Facebook Live viewers and community members at the event, including members of the Tuskegee Airmen Heritage Chapter of Greater Sacramento, CRPD Staff and community members. 

A line-up of speakers shared remarks about the historical significance of the project, including Gregory and several members of the Tuskegee Airmen Heritage Chapter of Greater Sacramento. “[The Tuskegee Airmen] fought a war, but they fought an even bigger war for rights – the right to vote, the right to go to school. Some of these men could have been shot if they went off their base,” said Howard Williams, the President of the Tuskegee Airmen Heritage Chapter of Greater Sacramento. “By doing this [project], you are doing an honor to the men who served many years ago under not only unfavorable conditions, but harmful conditions. Some of these men and their families, you don’t read about them now, they don’t teach about them in schools.” 

In June 2023, Gregory approached CRPD with an idea for his Eagle Scout project. Gregory proposed creating a memorial to honor the Tuskegee Airmen, the legendary group of Black Air Force pilots who served in Europe during World War II.  Gregory’s vision centered on the creation of memorial signs that would share the remarkable story of the Tuskegee Airmen, with special focus on their connection to the local community. Veteran’s Park, located near Mather Air Force Base, where a squadron of the Tuskegee Airmen were stationed, was the perfect site for this tribute. 

After Gregory’s initial outreach to CRPD, a partnership quickly developed. CRPD worked alongside him to guide the project through the approval process, helping him refine his proposal, set expectations for the monument’s design and determine the ideal location for the memorial signs within Veteran’s Park. As the project took shape in early 2024, Gregory dove into research on the Tuskegee Airmen. He collaborated with the Tuskegee Airmen Heritage Chapter of Greater Sacramento to ensure the historical accuracy of the memorial’s content, while CRPD’s communications team worked with him on the visual design of the signs.  

The memorial is composed of three panels, each sharing information about the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, their societal impact and their relevance in local history. Photo: CRPD 

In May 2024, the signs were ordered, and preparations for installation began. On August 24, Gregory, with members of his troop, family and staff from CRPD, gathered at Veteran’s Park to install the memorial signs. The new memorial stands not only as a testament to the Tuskegee Airmen’s extraordinary service but also as an example of what can be achieved when a young leader and a community come together. Thanks to Gregory’s hard work and collaboration with CRPD, Veteran’s Park now serves as a place of remembrance for the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. 

Gregory poses with his father and troop leader, Phillip Rubio, in front of the memorial signs. Photo: CRPD 

 

CRPD’s Lineup of September Celebrations! 

Posted on by Elena Burge

   

Community members walk through a bustling walkway at last year’s Doggie Day in the Park hosted by CRPD. Photo: CRPD 

As the summer winds down, the Cordova Recreation & Park District’s (CRPD) calendar is winding up! CRPD is hosting three annual events in September – Family Swim Night and Movie, Meet the Machines and Barktoberfest. Hosted in CRPD parks and facilities, these events invite the community to enjoy some quality fun outside with family and friends! 

Family Swim Night and Movie: Friday, September 6 | 4:30 – 9 p.m. | Cordova Community Pool and Hagan Community Park 

At this event, we’ll kick off the evening with a $1 family swim night at the Cordova Community Pool, where families can enjoy swimming and water games from 4:30 to 7 p.m. With local food and drink vendors on-site, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.  

After Family Swim Night, continue the fun at Hagan Community Park with a special outdoor screening of Disney’s Inside Out from 7 to 9 p.m. Spread out your blankets on the baseball field and settle in for a heartwarming movie experience under the stars. This event combines the best of summer evenings—community, entertainment and a bit of magic. We hope to see you there! 

Meet the Machines: Saturday, September 14 | 10 a.m. – Noon | Hagan Community Park 

Children pose with various machines featured at Meet the Machines in past years. Photo: CRPD 

This free event invites children of all ages to interact with a variety of exciting machines and unique vehicles at Hagan Community Park. Various industry professionals enrich this educational event, sharing their expertise on equipment and inspiring future generations of professionals. 

Last year’s event featured 25 machines, including large machinery, trucks and vehicles from various local industries. Children are invited to touch, climb, mount and admire machines ranging from dump trucks to fire engines and interact with the professionals who use them. 

This community event also features local vendors and organizations, making this the perfect event to explore many of the services and organizations Rancho has to offer. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to spark curiosity and celebrate the innovative spirit of our community. 

Barktoberfest: Saturday, September 21 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Lincoln Village Community Park/Pool 

Dogs and their owners can peruse the offerings of various vendors at this lively, dog-centric celebration. Photo: CRPD 

Grab your lederhosen and your leashes, because this September CRPD invites you and your pups to celebrate Barktoberfest with us at Lincoln Village Community Park. This exciting event is open to all ages, offering a day packed with fun activities, local dog-related vendors, music and delicious treats (for humans and canines alike). Vendor offerings will include dog toys, artisanal treats, pet accessories and information from local organizations. 

Pups can dive into the fun with a refreshing splash in the pool, dash through an exciting agility course or sniff out all the goodies at our vendor booths. Meanwhile, their humans can indulge in tasty food and beverages. And in true Oktoberfest fashion, The Local Bark, will be hosting a lively beer garden and food trucks will be serving up bratwursts!  

Raise a glass (or a paw) and join us for a day full of tail-wagging fun. 

 

CRPD Opens Aura Park in The Ranch Development 

Posted on by Elena Burge

 

CRPD Board of Directors, staff and community cut the ribbon to officially open Aura Park! Photo: CRPD 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA – The community gathered this week to celebrate the opening of Cordova Recreation and Park District’s (CRPD) newest park, Aura Park. Located within The Ranch development, this neighborhood park was designed in partnership with local developer K. Hovnanian Homes. The community celebrated the park’s opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring speeches from dedicated CRPD staff members and attended by local officials. 

The official park opening was followed by an afternoon of treats provided free of expense by Hagen’s Orange Freeze, lawn games and park exploration. Members of the community embraced the park opening with excitement, including the Anatolia Mom Walks group who planned their weekly walk to coincide with the opening celebration.  

This 2.19-acre park incorporates a nature theme, with animal prints stamped into the pathways and play equipment designed to fit a natural color pallet. Located within walking distance of a quickly expanding housing development, residents can easily utilize the park’s amenities and outdoor space. At this park, residents can enjoy a game of pick-up basketball on the half court, share an outdoor lunch in the picnic area or play tag on the open grass area. 

“CRPD offers many benefits for our residents,” said Patrick Larkin, General Manager of CRPD. “Parks can help people be more physically active and improve their mental health. Parks can help people feel connected to their community and provide a sense of place. They can also encourage people to work together towards a shared goal. Parks can help reduce crime rates, especially when people have access to green spaces with a strong community presence. Parks can be a great place for children to learn social skills like communication, problem-solving and collaboration. Parks increase property values and attract homebuyers and workers. Aura Neighborhood Park has all this value and more. We hope the neighborhood enjoys their new place to play.” 

Visit Aura Park at 12164 Coal Creek Way in Rancho Cordova! 

 

CRPD Board of Directors and General Manager Patrick Larkin pose with Kosim Latipov, District Representative from Senator Roger Niello’s office, after receiving a Certificates of Recognition from Latipov on behalf of Senator Niello and Assemblymember Josh Hoover.   

 

CRPD Supplies a Success

Posted on by Elena Burge
 

Cordova Recreation & Park District and Folsom Cordova Unified School District staff stand with school supply donations for the Families in Transition Services program. Photo courtesy of Cordova Recreation & Park District

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – This summer, the Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) continued their commitment to supporting the community through their Community Engagement Program.

Over the last few weeks, the Cordova Recreation & Park District Board of Directors and staff contributed donations to a school supply drive for the Folsom Cordova Unified School District’s (FCUSD) Families in Transition (FIT) Services program. More than 700 items were collected and included supplies such as calculators, binders, scissors, art supplies, notebooks and paper.

The Families in Transition Services program offers vital support to students and families facing challenges such as housing, food and healthcare insecurity. To ensure every student can start the school year prepared and focused on their academic success, the program provides essential supplies to those in need. In supporting this program, Cordova Recreation & Park District hopes to continue their commitment to community upliftment and youth empowerment.

“Here at CRPD, our staff focus on their professional strengths and in supporting Families in Transition and providing school supplies to students in FCUSD, we are excited to support our youth in the community to focus on growing their strengths, rather than focusing on where their school supplies or resources are coming from,” said Cordova Recreation and Park District General Manager Patrick Larkin. “We fully support this program, and we are committed to fostering this partnership with FCUSD throughout the year.”

Though the Families in Transition Services program accepts school supplies, monetary donations also allow the program to better support the community and continue to provide an essential array of resources to families in need. To learn more about the program or donate, visit www.fcusd.org/educational-services/social-emotional-learning-sel-and-educational-equity/families-in-transition.

CRPD board of directors

 Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) Board of Directors and staff pose with school supply donations for the Folsom Cordova Unified School District’s Families in Transition Services program. Photo courtesy of Cordova Recreation & Park District

 

Paul Hagan Remembered for Outstanding Service

Posted on by Elena Burge
 
 

Cordova Recreation & Park District Directors and staff pose alongside Julie Hagan Belka, accepting the Partnership for Quality Living Hall of Honor award on behalf of her late grandfather, Paul Hagan, at the Cordova Recreation & Park District July 17 board meeting. Neil Orchard, Cordova Recreation & Park District’s longest-serving district administrator, also attended with his wife, Rosealiê Orchard. Photo courtesy of Cordova Recreation & Park District

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – Former Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) District Administrator Paul Hagan was recognized posthumously for his outstanding contributions to recreation, leisure and wellness within the Rancho Cordova community at the Cordova Recreation & Park District July 17 board meeting.

His award was presented by Wayne Lowery, former El Dorado Hills Community Services District general manager on behalf of the Partnership for Quality Living (PQL). The prestigious award was accepted on his behalf by Hagan’s granddaughter, Julie Hagan Belka.

Best known as the namesake of Rancho Cordova’s beloved Hagan Community Park, Hagan was Cordova Recreation & Park District’s first district administrator from 1960 to 1985. During his tenure, Hagan worked to significantly expand the acquisition and development of parks and recreation facilities throughout Rancho Cordova, developing 21 parks and recreation facilities under his leadership.

Besides his Rancho Cordova work, Hagan was engaged in the broader development of the parks and recreation industry as an active member of the National Recreation and Park Association and the California Park & Recreation Society for more than 20 years.

Among his many accomplishments, Hagan contributed to developing a nation-wide model for joint land usage between school districts and parks administrations, advocated for bringing nationally-recognized events to Rancho Cordova and received numerous awards for his dedication, including Rotary International’s highest award.

Hagan’s dedication to the Parks and Recreation industry was apparent throughout his life and even after his passing, his legacy continues to be worthy of recognition and celebration.

The Partnership for Quality Living Hall of Honor recognizes historical contributions of individuals in the development of leisure, recreation and parks services. In recognizing individuals such as Hagan, the Partnership for Quality Living hopes to chronicle influential developments in the field, further encouraging and celebrating future engagement and progress.

The Partnership for Quality Living recognizes recreation, parks and leisure as essential to promoting and maintaining a high quality of life for communities and their residents by enhancing public health and wellness.

 

CRPD Board Recognized for Commitment to Leadership

Posted on by Elena Burge
 
 

CRPD Directors, Mark Matus (left) and Daniel Langan (right), accept their certificates at the CRPD Regular Board meeting on June 19, 2024. Photo courtesy of CRPD

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – Cordova Recreation and Park District (CRPD) Board Members Daniel Langan and Mark Matus were recognized at the CRPD Regular Board meeting on June 19 for their commitment to the community following their completion of the Special District Leadership Academy.

Earning this certificate demonstrates their commitment to CRPD, their constituents and their fellow special districts throughout the state. In pursuing this opportunity for professional development, Langan and Matus show a dedication to providing the best possible service to the community they serve.

This program seeks to provide members of special district leadership teams with skills in community leadership, direction setting, human resources management and fiscal accountability, among other essential leadership skills. Langan and Matus attended a three-day conference and completed ten hours of continuing education to complete the program.

The California Special Districts Association and the Special District Leadership Foundation support the Special District Leadership Academy as part of their continued commitment to providing quality development opportunities to California Board Members.

 

Rosemont Community Foundation Receives Award of Recognition

Posted on by Elena Burge
 

Members of the Rosemont Community Foundation pose alongside Cordova Recreation and Park District Directors and staff after accepting their award of recognition at the Cordova Recreation and Park District’s regular board meeting on June 19. Photo courtesy of Cordova Recreation and Park District

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – During the Cordova Recreation and Park District’s board meeting on June 19, the Rosemont Community Foundation was presented with an award of recognition from the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts for the Rosemont Community Poles Project.

The Rosemont Community Foundation was honored with the Outstanding Community Organization/Partner Award by the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts at their conference in May, where they were recognized for their outstanding commitment to fostering community through a community beautification project. Kathy Gee, community advocate and board director, accepted the award on behalf of the Rosemont Community Foundation.

Cordova Recreation and Park District board members, staff and Kathy Gee celebrate the installation of the Rosemont Community Poles Project. Photo courtesy of Cordova Recreation and Park District

The Rosemont Community Poles Project was an effort by the community to improve the Rosemont community through the addition of art that reflected their community’s values. Gee brought the idea to Cordova Recreation and Park District, suggesting that four poles, decorated by community organizations to capture the spirit of the Rosemont Community, be installed in the newly-refurbished butterfly garden in the Cordova Recreation and Park District’s Rosemont Community Park.

Once Gee received a grant from SMUD for the project, the Rosemont Community Foundation worked in collaboration with Cordova Recreation and Park District to install the project. You can now see community poles from Cordova Recreation and Park District, Girl Scout Troop 1363, Golden Pond Senior Living and Atonement Lutheran Church in Rosemont Community Park.  Each pole is distinctive, painted with symbols, pictures and words that reflect the values of the Rosemont community and its residents.

As the project’s dedication ceremony was fast approaching, the project experienced a major setback. The hand-painted poles had been nearly covered in black spray paint, appearing to ruin the hours of hard work the community had put into the project. In an act of resilience, Cordova Recreation and Park District staff acted quickly, using specialized graffiti removal supplies to nearly return the artwork to its original condition. Their efforts allowed the Rosemont Community Foundation to proceed with the project’s dedication ceremony as planned.

Since the project’s initial installation, the community is set to add more poles, with several similar projects in the works throughout the community. This award celebrates the spirit that inspired this project and its positive influence on the community.

Readers can catch up on Cordova Recreation and Park District’s newest projects and developments at www.cordovarpd.gov. 

 

Gold Rush Park Opens

Posted on by Elena Burge
 

Cordova Recreation & Park District Board of Directors, staff and community cut the ribbon to officially open Gold Rush Park. Photo courtesy of Cordova Recreation & Park District

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – Coinciding with the turn of the season, the Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) recently gathered to celebrate the opening of their newest park, Gold Rush Park.

Located in the Rio Del Oro development area, the 5.1-acre park pays tribute to the California Gold Rush, the historical event that brought Rancho Cordova into being. The community came together to recognize the park’s opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by local dignitaries and punctuated by speeches from committed Cordova Recreation & Park District staff members.

The festivities kept rolling after the ceremony with a Family Fun Day provided by local developer Elliot Homes. This event invited local families to explore the new park, complimented by delicious food offerings, lively lawn games and a variety of engaging activities. Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce provided resources for the community and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District brought a fire engine for kids to explore.

Located at 11556 Lagarto Way in Rancho Cordova, nestled in a neighborhood beside White Rock Road, Gold Rush Park is the newest of 46 parks owned and operated by the Cordova Recreation & Park District. In line with the park’s namesake, mine-themed elements decorate the playground, surrounded by snaking pathways and drought tolerant native plants.

mine California Gold Rush

 Mine themed playground elements pay homage to the California Gold Rush. Photo courtesy of Cordova Recreation & Park District

Even in the summer sun, the park’s covered picnic area and play structure provide ample shade for a lovely day in the park. Park-goers can utilize the many amenities to make the most of their day – whether they are playing soccer on the multi-use field or engaging in a riveting chess match on the concrete chess tables.

“Gold Rush Park is the first neighborhood park to be constructed in the Rio del Oro development area. Rio del Oro will bring approximately 32,000 new residents that need parkland and will ultimately include 10 neighborhood parks varying in size and one large community park,” said Patrick Larkin, Cordova Recreation & Park District General Manager. “We believe that all residents within the district deserve to have a public park within walking distance that includes places for play, for recreation and for the community to gather.”

Readers can catch up on Cordova Recreation & Park District newest developments and happenings at www.cordovarpd.gov