CRPD General Manager Recognized for Commitment to Quality Governance

Posted on September 11, 2024September 11, 2024 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.

Paul Hagan Remembered for Outstanding Service

Posted on August 6, 2024August 7, 2024 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 July 3, 2024August 7, 2024 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 July 3, 2024August 7, 2024 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.

CRPD Celebrates Major Achievements at CARPD Conference

Posted on May 29, 2024August 7, 2024 by Shelby Golden

Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) Vice-Chairperson Rick Sloan and California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD) Board of Directors swear into office. Photo courtesy of CRPD

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – This year marked a significant milestone for the Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) at the annual California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD) Conference held in May.

Cordova Recreation & Park District Chairperson Brian Danzl was elected as California Association of Recreation and Park Districts president, Vice-Chairperson Rick Sloan was re-elected to the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts’ Board of Directors, and our General Manager Patrick Larkin was presented with the distinguished General Manager of the Year Award.

Danzl, a longtime Cordova Recreation & Park District resident and a well-known community figure, has been a dedicated volunteer with several local organizations. First elected to Cordova Recreation & Park District’s Board of Directors in 2010, Danzl has been consistently re-elected by the community. His election as CARPD President underscores his unwavering commitment to parks and recreation services throughout the Sacramento region.

Cordova Recreation & Park District Brian Danzl

Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) Chairperson Brian Danzl. Photo courtesy of CRPD

“Brian Danzl has been an excellent advocate for parks and recreation services throughout the Sacramento region,” expressed Larkin. “He continues to represent the voice of the community as we grow.”

Danzl is an active member of California Association of Recreation and Park Districts, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of recreation and park districts throughout California. As California Association of Recreation and Park Districts President, Danzl will serve on the governing body responsible for all policy decisions related to support, education, member services and legislative advocacy for recreation and park districts in California. Danzl and Sloan will now help shape the future of recreation and park districts across California.

Also committed to parks and recreation, Larkin has played a crucial role in propelling Cordova Recreation & Park District’s mission forward and exemplifying unparalleled service to our community.

“Our general manager epitomizes leadership, igniting a path of positivity and progress for both our team and community,” shared Director of Parks & Recreation Jill Nunes. “His steadfast dedication serves as a constant reminder of the heights we can achieve together, with a spirit of determination guiding every step.”

Cordova Recreation & Park District Chairperson Brian Danzl and General Manager Patrick Larkin pose at the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts’ annual Conference. Photo courtesy of Cordova Recreation & Park District

Larkin has been instrumental in spearheading the transition to by-district elections, completing the Total Compensation Study, increasing Cordova Recreation & Park District’s bond rating, managing the Optimized Plan development and submitting Cordova Recreation & Park District’s Municipal Services Review to the Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission where it was unanimously approved and is now used as a template for other agencies. While Larkin’s tangible accomplishments are impressive, the more intangible victories that he has secured for Cordova Recreation & Park District are equally as important such as improving Cordova Recreation & Park District’s image, creating a community-focused mindset within Cordova Recreation & Park District and cultivating a remarkable work culture that motivates and empowers staff.

Cordova Recreation & Park District is honored to have their dedicated and passionate leaders recognized by California Association of Recreation and Park Districts. To learn more about Cordova Recreation & Park District, visit cordovarpd.gov.

CRPD Celebrates Champion of the Community

Posted on March 26, 2024August 7, 2024 by CRPD Communications

CRPD Board of Directors and staff with Champion of the Community Gianni Chauppette and his family. Photo: CRPD

On March 13, 2024, Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) joined the California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) District 2 at their Awards & Installation Banquet where local park and recreation agencies came together to recognize outstanding agencies and professionals and install the 2024-2025 District 2 Board Members.

Combining his passion for nature and dedication to scouting, Chauppette proposed a unique project that would enhance visitors’ connection with the surrounding environment. As part of his project, he was able to raise nearly $11,000 thanks to contributions from 60 generous community members and CRPD.

In June of 2023, Gianni worked closely with CRPD to research and install an ADA-accessible binocular post overlooking the neighboring wetland preserve at Heron Landing Community Park. Nature enthusiasts can now easily get a close look at the local wildlife that call our region home. Visit the Heron Landing Community Park at 11750 Justinian Drive, Rancho Cordova to check it out! To learn more about this project, visit bit.ly/CRPDbinoculars.

During the installment of the new CPRS District 2 Board Members, CRPD Recreation Supervisor Nina Sinor was appointed as the President Elect, CRPD Recreation Supervisor Nicole Lowery was appointed as Treasurer and CRPD Recreation Supervisor Heather Schelske was appointed as the Aging Section Representative.

CRPD was proud to be a part of the CPRS District 2 awards banquet where park and recreation professionals came together to celebrate one another and the outstanding work throughout the previous year.

From the left: CRPD Recreation Supervisors Heather Schelske, Nina Sinor and Nicole Lowery. Photo: CRPD

Champion of the Community Gianni Chauppette. Photo: CRPD

Outstanding Employee of the Year!

Posted on June 3, 2022August 7, 2024 by Shelby Golden

We are proud to announce that our very own Director of Parks & Recreation Jill Nunes has been awarded the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD) Outstanding District Employee Award. The award was presented during the CARPD Annual Conference on May 19, 2022.

Jill has been a champion for change management which has been a key for success. She has led staff through numerous COVID restrictions and protected staff from potential lay-offs due to limited to no programs by having the full time Recreation staff be direct service providers, creating new programs and producing a Virtual Recreation Guide. She created a work team that communicates well through diverse and challenging work assignments. Jill is excellent at providing tools and resources to her staff for them to work efficiently, smarter and to achieve their goals. Specifically, she has trained staff on expectations to evaluate existing programs and to add new programs to fill service gaps, especially during the challenging years of the pandemic. She is also connecting staff from multiple departments to make cohesive decisions so there is a District-wide point of view on critical capital improvement projects.

In addition, Jill has been the leader of the District Fee Schedule and updates to the CRPD Board of Directors (Board). She developed and presented the District Fee Schedule program to the Board for their approval, which demonstrated her ability to initiate a process and see it to completion. Jill also presents monthly reports to the Board to discuss department highlights and great services provided by staff.

The Cordova Golf Course is one of these highlights. The improvements at the golf course, along with new leadership, has yielded remarkable results. “An exceptional leader, Jill perseveres under pressure and articulates a clear vision for success – going above and beyond in service to the District. I consider myself fortunate to be a part of her vision to imbue an aging golf course with new life and vitality, for future generations to enjoy,” said Cordova Golf Course Manager Chase Michelotti. “Daily, Jill works to empower CRPD’s vision, and embraces the mission to serve the needs of a diverse and growing community.” Due to the new management approach and practices, revenue is at an all-time high and customers are feeling a sense of belonging and care.

Jill has proved how valuable building connections and relationships are to the success of CRPD. She has done an exemplary job learning about the parks maintenance, facility maintenance and management needs of CRPD. To gain perspective into the Park Department, Jill worked full days with each division within the Parks Department. The experience was beneficial as she learned about our dedicated staff and how hard they work each day to keep CRPD parks beautiful. Jill enjoyed gaining insight into their needs and obstacles which has helped her give the Parks Department the support they need and deserve. Through this, Jill has earned ample respect and admiration from the Parks staff, leadership team and the Board. She will continue to learn the Parks team needs, look for ways to advocate and support those needs in the budget and help prioritize projects considering limited resources.

Jill has also formed strong relationships with partners and stakeholders. Her confidence and professional approach enable her to connect with a diverse, and sometimes challenging, audience. She continues to strengthen her relationships with agencies including counties, cities, tourism agencies, school districts and neighborhood associations. She has written and received Board approval for Joint Use Agreements with multiple school districts. Jill continually strives to be the best listener in the group or meeting while maintaining an openness to the content of the communication.

“I really appreciate Jill’s strong work ethic, honesty, real approach to work and support for new directions,” said General Manager Patrick Larkin. “She has set the tone with professionalism and openness to change. Jill is an irreplaceable asset and a talented leader. “

Congratulations, Jill!

CRPD Receives Award for Cordova Community Pool

Posted on March 25, 2022August 7, 2024 by Shelby Golden

From the left, Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) Board Members; Director Rick Sloan, Vice-Chairperson Inez Reyes, Chairperson Terri Leimbach, General Manager Patrick Larkin, Director Brian Danzl, Secretary Michael Yearwood and Park Planning & Development Manager Laura Taylor with the California Association of Park and Recreation Commissioners and Board Members (CAPRCBM) Outstanding Project Award.

The Cordova Recreation & Park District (District) is honored to be the recipient of the California Association of Park and Recreation Commissioners and Board Members (CAPRCBM) Outstanding Project Award for the Cordova Community Pool. The District was presented with the award on March 10, 2022.

The new complex brings back an integral piece of community recreation and exercise. With two distinct pools, residents will find something for everyone: whether it is lap swimming, swim and safety classes, aquatic fitness, swim clubs or just cooling off during the hot Rancho Cordova summers. Swimming is one of the best exercises because it engages the whole body. Water-based exercise reduces impact on joints and provides steady resistance, making it ideal for people with joint-related issues. Having access to water-play is great for mental health as well. It improves mood in adults and the play feature is great for brain and motor skill development in small children. The Cordova Community Pool expands the aquatic capabilities in the community and is the only public pool in Rancho Cordova that accommodates swim teams and lap swimming.

As a part of improving the health and wellbeing of the community, the District created inclusive guidelines and signage. Swim Attire Guidelines encourage patrons to wear attire designed for water activities including, but not limited to, swimsuits, athletic shorts and dry-fit clothing. For safety reasons, the guidelines advise that patrons should not wear clothing that is excessively heavy or made of absorbent material. Additionally, the locker rooms at the Cordova Community Pool have signs that promote an inclusive environment. At the entrance and throughout each locker room, signs are displayed which feature the text “CRPD supports a person’s right to use the locker facility consistent with their gender identity”. In developing and implementing these guidelines and signs, the District has created and will continue to foster a positive culture where community members can feel welcome and enjoy activities at the Cordova Community Pool.

The District looks forward to being able to offer additional programs, including adaptive programs, for community members to enjoy.

Safety First!

Posted on March 23, 2022August 7, 2024 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.

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.

Congratulations on your retirement, Greg!

Posted on February 23, 2022August 7, 2024 by Shelby Golden

With over 17 years of service at the Neil Orchard Senior Activities Center, we are announcing Greg Wright’s retirement. Greg has been the heart and soul of the Center for almost two decades! Greg interacted with all the members and treated them as family, as they did with him. Greg’s care and compassion for the seniors showed and made him thrive at his job. His dedication to the Center was displayed through his daily work and he took pride in keeping the inside and outside of the Center neat and orderly. His customer service went above and beyond!

We will miss Greg and wish him the best in his next adventures!

Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) Neil Orchard Senior Activities Center Staff Austin Hall, Heather Schelske, Greg Wright and Barbara Rogers.

CRPD Receives Award for Senior Programs

Posted on July 19, 2021August 6, 2024 by Shelby Golden

The Cordova Recreation & Park District (District) is honored to be the recipient of the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD) Award of Distinction for Outstanding Activity or Special Event for the District’s Senior Drive-Thru Programs. The District was presented with the award during the CARPD Annual Conference on June 24, 2021.

From the left, CRPD Director of Parks & Recreation Jill Nunes, Recreation Supervisor Heather Schelske and General Manager Patrick Larkin with the CARPD Award of Distinction for Outstanding Activity or Special Event.

The need for healthy nutrition and play for seniors did not cease during the pandemic. In fact, the need may have been even be greater than before. With this mind, District staff developed several programs to keep seniors safe, provide seniors with a healthy lunch and provide community entertainment fun.

Our highly popular Green Thumb Lunch program was developed by District staff and a senior volunteer garden club and allows for the senior members of the community to come together for a nutritious meal. Our staff did not have the heart to let this viable program halt during the pandemic and instead developed the Green Thumb Lunch TO GO program. This program allows seniors to drive up and have a nutritious lunch brought out to their car. Since September 2020, the Green Thumb Lunch TO GO program has served over a thousand meals to seniors.

Knowing that the seniors loved to play Bingo at the Neil Orchard Senior Activities Center (Senior Center) prior to the pandemic, staff created a new Parking Lot Bingo. By using a FM transmitter and a microphone, staff and volunteers can call out Bingo letters and participants can listen through the radio and play along. This program became so beloved, the seniors rallied together to get donations for door prizes, volunteer bingo callers and car door prize runners to ensure the program stayed sustainable. Due to its success, multiple agencies throughout California have adopted this program for their seniors.

The District also partnered with the City of Rancho Cordova in the Great Plates program to deliver meals to an at-risk population. In short, the purpose of the new Great Plates Delivered program is to provide meals to seniors and to support local food providers who are struggling due to the pandemic. Even though the Senior Center is not a traditional restaurant, staff identified this opportunity to use our well-equipped, certified kitchen and partner in a program to provide meals to those in need. With over 600 Senior Center members, our staff was able to reach out to individuals and help them register for Great Plates. Our staff served breakfast, lunch and dinner to approximately 20 people for a total of 60 meals per day with meals being delivered Monday through Friday.

These programs gave the seniors something to look forward to and a safe event for them to attend where they can socialize with their friends from a safe distance. Imagine seeing a row of cars lined down the block where seniors can waive to one another and still be able to have a since of community while having safe fun outside of their home. When you can bring food and play together safely during a pandemic for the vulnerable population, in addition to lots of smiles, you know you have formed a connection.

The Giving Tree: Gail Retires & Receives Dedicated Tree Planting

Posted on November 6, 2019August 6, 2024 by CRPD Communications

Rancho Cordova, CA – On All Hallows’ Eve, Cordova Recreation & Park District’s (CRPD) beloved Administrative Specialist Gail Bair retired after 33 years of service. Just a few days later, to Gail’s surprise, the District held a dedicated tree planting at Ahlstrom Park.

Gail (center) and her family at Ahlstrom Park during her surprise tree planting (Nov. 2)

Since Gail’s hiring as a preschool teacher in 1986, she has impacted not only her coworkers at CRPD, but community members alike. Gail spearheaded the staff recognition committee, was the secretary of the safety committee and organized giving opportunities like presents, clothes or canned food drives for under-served families. General Manager Patrick Larkin feels Gail was a vital core of the District. “Gail is someone who made sure our integrity and community service mentality was alive and well,” Patrick said. “She did more than just serve the staff internally but led these incredible drives for the community throughout the year. She was a staple, and her servant leader personality is what we are looking for in her replacement,” Patrick said.

Gail (right) with Director of Parks & Recreation Jill Nunes during Gail’s retirement potluck at the District Office

For most employees, Gail was the first smiling face to welcome them to the District team. Human Resource Manager Andrea White said Gail brought “humor, color, and lightness to the office.”

Gail was hoping to leave without too much fanfare, having always been more comfortable giving than receiving. But because she was such an important part of the District, the management team purchased Gail’s favorite tree, a Watermelon Crape Myrtle, and invited her family and friends to surprise her with a tree planting at her favorite park.

“Words cannot even express how much I have loved working with everyone at the District,” Gail said. “I always felt appreciated and needed. What I love to do is serve, and that’s what I got to do here – it’s what I will miss the most,” Gail said. When asked what legacy she would like to leave at the District, Gail hopes kindness and the spirit of giving will remain.

Gail and her husband, Roy, will be moving to Utah within the month to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Thank you, Gail. You will be missed!

Fellow District staff came out to celebrate Gail. From left to right: Recreation Coordinator Chase Michelotti, Golf Course Superintendent VJ Singh, Recreation Superintendent Rebecca Sermeno, Human Resource Specialist Jennifer Wilfon, Park Planning Manager Laura Taylor, Human Resource Manager Andrea White, Clerk of the Board Danielle Jones, Gail Bair, Finance Manager Matt Goodell, Recreation Supervisor Nina Sinor, Park Planner Cristina James & General Manager Patrick Larkin

She Brings Honor To Us All: Laura Taylor wins Staff Person of the Year

Posted on October 3, 2019August 6, 2024 by CRPD Communications

Anaheim, CA – Last week, Cordova Recreation & Park District’s (CRPD) Park Planning and Development Manager Laura Taylor received the Staff Person of the Year award from the California Special Districts Association (CSDA) during the association’s Annual Conference and Exhibitor Showcase, September 25-28, 2019.

Since Laura’s hiring in 2013, she has been praised by community members, colleagues and professional associations alike. General Manager Patrick Larkin, who oversees District operations, felt they “hit the jackpot,” with Laura, a certified landscape architect in three states with a vision for future improvements. Not only was she vital in the Nexus Study, Capital Improvement Plan and County-Wide Fee Initiative for CRPD, Laura took the time to make a difference in tasks that seemed minor, like changing the record-keeping system into a digital filing system. She is a mentor and a leader who inspires her team to be their best. She currently manages all Park Planning and Development projects, including construction of new parks or acceptance of turn-key parks and Measure J renovation projects.

“I am so grateful for my coworkers who nominated me, that in itself is a deep honor,” Laura said in her acceptance speech. She spent her few minutes acknowledging the team she works with and how they contribute to the District’s impeccable work. Watch the full award video on our Facebook page!

Congratulations, Laura!