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Adopt a resolution designating the month of July 2018 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 2018 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 2018, the National Recreation and Park Association is designating July as “Parks and Recreation Month”, with a theme of A Lifetime of Discovery, specifically targeted at increasing physical activity and mental agility. The California Park and Recreation Society is designating July as “Parks Make Life Better!® Month” promoting Play, Nature, Exercise, Positive Spaces, Gathering Places and Forever as core concepts attributed to park experiences.
Each year over 192,000 visitors enjoy the County’s four parks: Sandy Beach County Park, Lake Solano County Park, Belden’s Landing Water Access Facility and Lynch Canyon Open Space Park. The park system showcases Solano County’s greatest natural and recreational resources, the Sacramento River (Sandy Beach), the Putah Creek watershed (Lake Solano), the Suisun Marsh (Belden’s Landing) and its open grasslands and rolling hills (Lynch Canyon). With summertime events including the Lynch Canyon Kite Fest, Lynch Canyon Trail Run, Lake Solano Docent in Residence Weekend, kids fishing derbies, community clean up events, and docent led hikes and tours in addition to camping, picnicking, boating, equestrian, and hiking activities, Solano County Parks and Recreation continues to offer a variety of recreational experiences for the residents of Solano County and beyond. Passage of special state legislation via SB 365 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 your Board adopt the attached resolution designating July 2018 as “Parks and Recreation Month”, to recognize the vital role that the Solano County Parks plays towards residents’ quality of life, connecting with nature, and 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 FY2017/18 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2017/18 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