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Adopt and present a resolution designating the month of July 2024 as Park and Recreation Month and July 19, 2024 as Park and Recreation Professionals Day in Solano County (Supervisor Hannigan)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution designating the month of July 2024 as Park and Recreation Month and July 19, 2024 as Park and Recreation Professionals Day in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
The County maintains and operates four County Parks: Lake Solano Park, Sandy Beach Park, Belden’s Landing Boat Launch Facility, and Lynch Canyon Open Space and will operate the Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park, scheduled for opening later this summer. Each of these parks provide opportunities for public enjoyment and showcase different aspects of Solano County’s environment. By adopting the resolution, the Board would recognize the essential role that Solano County Parks play in improving public health and the quality of life of residents and visitors by connecting them with nature through outdoor recreational opportunities and youth development activities, benefitting businesses by increasing tourism, and improving the environment through protecting and restoring habitat within the parks. Adoption of the resolution would also recognize the County Parks’ staff, contractors, volunteers, and other professionals who ensure that our parks and recreational spaces are maintained to be clean, safe, inclusive, welcoming, and ready to use.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2023/24 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
Since 1985, public agencies and organizations across the nation have recognized the month of July as a time to celebrate parks and recreation opportunities. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is designating July as “Park and Recreation Month” and the 2024 theme - “Where You Belong” - celebrates the vital role park and recreation professionals play in bringing people together and fostering a sense of belonging. The NRPA is also designating July 19, 2024 as Park and Recreation Professionals Day to honor all the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide the high-quality programs and infrastructure we desire and expect in our parks and public open spaces. To support this effort on a statewide basis, the California Park and Recreation Society designated July as “Parks Make Life Better!® Month” to raise awareness of the benefits of parks and recreation throughout California and to raise the status of parks and recreation as an essential community service.
Locally, each of Solano County’s four parks and the staff dedicated to these parks have demonstrated their continued commitment to providing a welcoming environment in our parks. In recent years, the importance of access to the variety of recreational opportunities these parks provide has become even more important to the visiting public. Wildfire, health crises, and societal factors can weigh heavily upon the public and County parks present opportunities for individuals to reconnect with themselves, nature and their community.
Attendance in the parks remains at record setting levels. Solano County Parks Division staff continue to provide excellent experiences for the public by maintaining high-quality facilities and providing positive public interactions which leave lasting positive impressions with visitors about their enjoyable time at Solano parks. Multiple projects are underway or in the planning stages to increase access, restore habitats, provide infrastructure improvements, and increase environmental education programming that will continue to enhance the value of parks and open spaces to the residents and visitors of Solano County.
Designating this July as Park and Recreation Month and July 19, 2024 as Park and Recreation Professionals Day provides an opportunity to highlight how community grows in our parks, as well as the value of Park and Recreation Division staff as they continue to provide safe access to the rich outdoor recreational and educational opportunities available at Solano County Parks.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt this resolution. This is not recommended because this is an opportunity to promote the parks and recreation opportunities in Solano County and recognize the staff dedicated to maintaining, protecting, and providing access to these resources so the public can safely enjoy them.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION