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Adopt a resolution designating the month of July 2019 as Parks and Recreation Month in Solano County
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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 a resolution designating the month of July 2019 as Parks and Recreation Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY/ DISCUSSION:
Since 1985, public agencies and organizations across the nation have recognized the month of July as a time to celebrate our parks and recreation opportunities. For 2019, the National Recreation and Park Association is designating July as “Parks and Recreation Month” with a theme of “Game On!” to promote the great opportunities and resources that local park and recreation agencies provide. The California Park and Recreation Society is designating 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.
219,000 visitors annually enjoy the County’s four parks: Lake Solano County Park, Sandy Beach County Park, Belden’s Landing Water Access Facility, and Lynch Canyon Open Space Park. These parks showcase some of Solano County’s greatest natural and recreational resources: the Putah Creek watershed (Lake Solano), the Sacramento River (Sandy Beach), the Suisun Marsh (Belden’s Landing) and its open grasslands and rolling hills (Lynch Canyon). Solano County Parks and Recreation offers a variety of recreational experiences for the residents and visitors of Solano County through events such as the Lynch Canyon Kite Fest, Lynch Canyon Trail Run, Lake Solano Docent in Residence Weekends, kids fishing derbies, community clean ups, and docent led hikes and tours. Camping, picnicking, boating, equestrian, and hiking activities provide additional opportunities for outdoor experiences. Passage of special state legislation via SB365 to create a regional parks and open space district and ongoing work by the County towards creation of the district further emphasizes the level of importance Solano County places on parks and open space in the county.
Therefore, Resource Management is requesting that the Board adopt the attached resolution designating July 2019 as “Parks and Recreation Month” to recognize the vital role that the Solano County Parks plays towards residents’ quality of life by connecting them with nature, and by benefitting tourism, public health and youth development.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget.
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 options in Solano County and recognize the staff dedicated to maintaining these resources so that the public can safely enjoy them.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has approved the resolution as to form.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION