Tag: Cordova RPD

CRPD’s Teen Adventure Group Catches Some Waves in Santa Cruz

Posted on by Elena Burge

Members of the Teen Adventure Group (TAG) run into the ocean on their Santa Cruz surfing trip on January 11.  Photo: CRPD 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA – For the teens of the Cordova Recreation & Park District’s (CRPD) Teen Adventure Group (TAG), January 11 was a day to remember. Despite the chilly winter breeze and early morning start, the group embarked on their highly anticipated surfing trip to Santa Cruz, marking yet another exciting trip for the program. 

Outdoor Adventures, funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services, aims to provide underserved communities with opportunities to explore the great outdoors. CRPD’s $347,550 grant supports local activities and trips to nature areas, such as tree plantings, creek clean-ups, camping and, in this case, surfing on Northern California’s beautiful coast. 

The idea for the trip came directly from TAG members during one of their monthly meetings. “One of the members suggested learning about the ocean and going surfing,” explained Recreation Supervisor Matt Zimmerling. “We found a company (Club Ed) that could provide us with lessons, boards and wetsuits and a new adventure was started.” 

Fast forward to a sunny, windy morning in Santa Cruz. The group’s adventure began with a stroll along the pier, complete with “barking” at sea lions and attempted “conversations” with the seagulls. Lunch on the pier quickly turned into a comedy of errors as gusts of wind sent slices of bread and lettuce flying while the teens made their sandwiches. After lunch, the group suited up with wetsuits and surfboards, guided by Club Ed instructors, and braved the cold Pacific waters to tackle paddling and “popping” onto the boards. 

TAG members suit up and take on the waves with the guidance of their Club Ed surf instructor.  Photo: CRPD 

The waves were relentless, and the wind made getting past the break no easy feat. For one participant, the struggle almost proved too much. Though the idea of getting into the water was frightening for her at first, she eventually started to enjoy the thrill of catching waves back to the shore. “Watching her overcome her fear and push herself to ride as many waves as possible was incredible,” said Zimmerling. Later, her mother wrote, “Mary had a blast. She was the most tired I may have ever seen her afterwards, LOL.” 

Others celebrated their victories with beaming smiles, some even managed to stand on their boards and ride waves toward the shore. After an hour and a half of paddling, tumbling and triumphing, the group wrapped up their lesson with some fun in the water before packing up for the journey home. 

TAG offers much more than just outdoor fun. Through monthly meetings and events, members learn valuable life skills, including event planning, leadership development and community engagement. Open to middle and high school students aged 11 to 17 within CRPD boundaries, the program encourages teens to get involved and make a difference. 

For these TAG members, the Santa Cruz trip was a chance to build confidence, overcome challenges and enjoy a unique outdoor experience. As the program expands, it continues to provide teens with valuable opportunities to connect with nature and their community. Learn more about TAG on our website — https://cordovarpd.gov/programs/outdoor-adventures/. 

Rick Sloan and Michael Yearwood Elected to CRPD Board

Posted on by Shelby Golden

On Dec. 18, Rick Sloan and Michael Yearwood officially took their oaths of office to serve on the Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) Board of Directors. Both leaders bring a wealth of experience, a proven track record of dedication and a shared passion for enhancing the quality of life in the community they represent.

This milestone marks a historic moment for Cordova Recreation & Park District, as both directors were elected as the first representatives for their election districts. Sloan was elected as the inaugural director for Election District 4, while Michael Yearwood was chosen as the first director for Election District 3. Their transition from at-large representatives to district-specific roles highlights Cordova Recreation & Park District’s ongoing efforts to ensure equitable representation and accessibility for all members of the community and they will continue to serve the entire community with dedication and vision.

Sloan has been a cornerstone of Cordova Recreation & Park District’s Board for more than 16 years, offering steadfast leadership and a deep commitment to parks and recreation. His election as the director for District 4 reflects his strong connection to the community and his consistent focus on addressing local needs.

Former Assemblymember Ken Cooley facilitates the oath of office for Rick Sloan, pictured with his wife, Rebecca Sloan. Photo courtesy of Cordova Recreation & Park District.

Similarly, Yearwood has been a vital member of the Cordova Recreation & Park District Board for more than nine years. As the director for District 3, Yearwood brings invaluable experience and a forward-thinking approach to Cordova Recreation & Park District’s partnerships. His election by voters in his district underscores his dedication to strengthening bonds within the community. 

Cordova Recreation & Park District is excited about the energy, vision and expertise that Directors Sloan and Yearwood bring to their roles. The district is confident that their leadership will continue to enhance Cordova Recreation & Park District’s mission of enriching lives through exceptional parks, programs and experiences.

Stephanie Yearwood facilitates the oath of office for her husband, Michael Yearwood. 

Community Members “Meet the Machines” at Annual CRPD Event 

Posted on by Elena Burge

At Meet the Machines, attendees can interact with vehicles and equipment brought by local professionals, including Sac Metro, as shown above. Photo: CRPD 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA – On Saturday, over 800 community members made their way to Hagan Community Park to experience Cordova Recreation & Park District’s (CRPD) annual Meet the Machines. This free yearly event showcases the technology of local businesses and organizations by inviting families to interact with the equipment they use and the professionals that operate it.  

This year’s machine line-up boasted a variety of unique vehicles. Some of the most interesting machines included Remax’s hot air balloon, complete with an operational flame, AirMax’s drones and Teichert’s miniature excavator. Attendees also had the chance to explore a Sac Metro fire engine, a Sacramento County police car and an armored vehicle, a Sacramento Republic Services trash truck, SMUD equipment and a Sac Regional Transit bus. 

Besides the machine displays, the event also included face painting, rock climbing, inflatable slides and freebies! If you missed out on Meet the Machines this year, we invite you to attend another CRPD special event or mark your calendar for next year’s Meet the Machines on September 13, 2025. We hope to see you at a CRPD event soon! 

Community members queue up to interact with machines brought by local professionals like Republic Services’ garbage truck. Photo: CRPD 

 

Safety First!

Posted on by Shelby Golden

 

The Cordova Recreation & Park District (District) is honored to be the recipient of the California Association for Park and Recreation Indemnity (CAPRI) Ted Winslow Safety Award.

Cordova Recreation & Park District General Manager Patrick Larkin (right) and Chairperson Rick Sloan with the California Association for Park and Recreation Indemnity’s Ted Winslow Safety Award.
Cordova Recreation & Park District General Manager Patrick Larkin (right) and Chairperson Rick Sloan with the California Association for Park and Recreation Indemnity’s Ted Winslow Safety Award.

The District was awarded by CAPRI for outstanding performance in recognition of the District’s commitment to safety and loss control. The District was presented with the award during the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts Annual Conference on June 24, 2021.

 

The award received its name to honor Ted Winslow. Prior to becoming General Manager of Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District, Winslow was in the insurance field. Winslow was instrumental in getting recreation and park districts in California to pool together and form a joint powers authority (JPA). This JPA, CAPRI, finds insurance for park and recreation districts throughout California.

 

The District is proud to be recognized by CAPRI for the dedication to safety.

 

Meet Our Preschool Teacher!

Posted on by Shelby Golden

 

We are excited to announce our Cordova STEAM Preschool Teacher is Ms. Trish!

This will be Ms. Trish’s fifth year here in the CRPD preschool program. Ms. Trish has spent countless hours as a volunteer in the local school district and absolutely loves teaching preschool. It is her goal to find what sparks the interest of each child and to use that interest to build a love of learning that she hopes will serve them throughout their lives.

To get to know our Cordova STEAM Team a little better, we asked Ms. Trish a few fun questions!

What is one of your hidden talents?

I can touch my nose with my tongue, but please don’t ask me to demonstrate.

What song do you know all the lyrics to?

Too many to count, I love music in almost all genres. My preschool favorites are mostly counting songs like five little monkeys or five little ducks.

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?

I really like to learn new things, so mostly I read non-fiction. I tend to get carried away after reading true stories and I will find more info online (does this island have wifi?). I have recently been into this book called The Foundling and the documentaries created around the story. It is about a baby found abandoned who is now an adult and solving all these real-life mysteries about himself and his family. I think what really captured my attention is how it is one of those “stranger than fiction” stories with lots of surprises.

What can you cook to perfection?

I get a lot of requests for bacon and cream cheese stuffed mushrooms around the holidays.

What is your spirit animal?

This is a tough one, but I have to say an alligator. They like water, they are a little misunderstood at times and are pretty much the closest things we have to dinosaurs, what’s not to love?

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I have a really big family and have participated in the upbringing of lots of kids. There is something magical about the preschool age range. The first steps into autonomy and navigating peer relationships, finding their first friendships. The eagerness to learn new things and wanting to do things for themselves. The preschool age range is full of big milestones in a child’s life, which makes the preschool experience very important. Being able to contribute in positive ways and make that first step into education meaningful to children is very rewarding.

What makes a good day at school?

Every day is a good day at preschool, but I especially love a day when the kids are really engaged. I always have a plan for what we are going to teach on any given day, but often we get sidetracked because a student asks a really good question, or a few kids are doing something that we notice and create a lesson out of it. When that happens, lessons resonate more, and kids want to dig deeper. Because it came from them it feels like play, that’s really where the magic happens. Being flexible and having the day go a bit off course is almost always a great day in the classroom.

What is your favorite part about the first day of school?

Getting to know all the kids. We do a lot of activities in the first weeks that are really geared toward creating a community in the classroom. This means we will play games to help the children remember each other’s names and that sort of thing. It also means we will share a lot about ourselves in various ways. Asking even a shy preschooler if they have any pets will often illicit a response. That process of guiding kids through engaging with each other and discovering what they have in common is the best part of beginning a new school year.

 

Keep an eye out for our next blog post to learn about our new Preschool Aid, Ms. Shayla!

 
 

Music to Our Ears: Guitar Classes are Here!

Posted on by CRPD Communications

 

We’re celebrating #NationalGuitarDay by introducing our new contract music instructor Adam Block, founder and owner of the Block Academy of Music.

About Our Partnership

For years CRPD has offered a plethora of sports, fitness, arts and enrichment programs for all ages. However, the community consistently asked for more music classes. One parent wrote in to the District asking for affordable opportunities for her child to learn an instrument. After reaching out to the successful and local professional, Adam Block, the District delivered, signing a contract to help the Block Academy of Music host guitar lessons.

 

About Adam

Adam began playing at the age of 13 and was self-taught through most of his youth. Having learned to love music without proper instruction and being of a practical mind, Adam pursued studying history at University of California, Davis, for his higher education. Post-graduation, upon realizing his heart was still with music, Adam decided to follow his passion and went on to earn a second degree in music from Berklee College of Music. After spending years performing on tour as a band leader, while simultaneously teaching and serving as a session musician, Adam determined that teaching was where his time/talent was best served. Thus, the Block Academy of Music was established in October of 2018.

 
 

With over 25 years of experience, Adam feels like he was born to teach. “How much a teacher can make a difference in the lives of students is a thought that motivates me constantly,” Adam said.

 

“Like music, teaching is an art. It’s the art of communication; a successful music teacher can communicate techniques and concepts to new students in a way that is clear, concise, accessible and easy to understand. When I began teaching, I realized this came so naturally to me. Plus, building relationships with your students and thriving with them, in their growth, is truly fulfilling,” Adam said.

 

Why Music?

District staff went to visit Adam’s studio and meet some of his students. Dominic Sanson, 13, has been one of Adam’s students for six months. Dominic’s mother, Tina loves what music brings to her son’s life. “He can unplug and have an outlet to express himself,” Tina said.

 

“It keeps him in the present and away from the digital world. At one point, Dominic was saving up for a PlayStation, but once he got invested in his lessons, he saved up to buy his own guitar,” Tina said.

 

Adam’s philosophy focuses on music’s benefits like these. He works to teach students more than the instrument, the chords and the songs. Adam wants his students to feel music connect their mind and body and witness how sound affects your emotional state. He believes individuals do not need to be masterful in playing music in order to enjoy the benefits. Learn, listen, sing or play!

 

How You Can Get Involved

Interested in trying guitar but not ready to commit? Adam offers a free introductory lesson for those contemplating private lessons.

 

Beginning Guitar is offered at the Block Academy of Music studio on Mondays and/or Wednesdays from 4 to 5 p.m. for ages 13-17 or from 7 to 8 p.m. for participants 18+. The classes are ideally suited for those interested in learning a new instrument or renewing a former passion. Classes are now open for online registration. For more information, visit crpd.com/programs.

 

Located off Sunrise and Coloma in Gold River, the Block Academy of Music studio has ample space for families to listen in on their loved ones’ lessons. Does your aspiring guitarist need privacy while learning? The studio is near fitness centers and plenty of restaurants to keep families occupied.

 
 
Left to Right: Elijah (student), Adam, Dominic (student)

Back in Action! CRPD Board of Directors Re-Elected

Posted on by CRPD Communications

 

(Rancho Cordova, CA) – On Wednesday, December 19, the Cordova Recreation and Park District’s (CRPD) Board of Directors meeting included the Oath of Office for the three incumbents re-elected in the General Election: Brian Danzl, Terri Leimbach and Inez Reyes. In addition, the meeting resulted in the Board nominating and electing their officers for the 2019-2020 Term. The Board chose Michael Yearwood to serve as Chairperson, Brian Danzl to serve as Vice-Chairperson and Rick Sloan to serve as Secretary.

 

With all five CRPD Board members returning for the 2019-2020 Term, Chair Yearwood expressed his gratitude for being elected by his fellow members of the CRPD Board of Directors.

 

“I am truly honored to serve as Chairperson,” Yearwood said. “It is an exciting time for the District. With several new developments starting and thanks to the My Parks Enhancement Fund, new parks, services and opportunities will be arising for our community.”

 

The 2019-2020 Board of Directors positions are as follows:

Michael Yearwood, Chairperson

Brian Danzl, Vice-Chairperson

Rick Sloan, Secretary

Terri Leimbach, Director

Inez Reyes, Director

 

To learn more about Cordova Recreation & Park District’s Board of Directors, visit www.crpd.com/about/boardofdirectors.

 

About CRPD Board of Directors: Cordova Recreation & Park District’s governing body, the Board of Directors is responsible for setting CRPD’s budget and policies that safeguard the vitality of the district. The five non-partisan members of the Board are elected to four-year terms by residents located within CRPD’s boundaries. The Board of Directors is held accountable to the following laws that govern public officials: The Brown Act, California Public Records Act, FPPC Reporting Requirements and biannual ethics training.