Johnathan O. Skinner, MPA, is a transformational leader whose 40-year career has profoundly shaped parks, recreation, and community services throughout California. As Director of Community Services for the City of Lake Elsinore, he has led inclusive recreation master planning, destination-level innovation through Launch Pointe, and impactful lake and environmental stewardship initiatives. A dedicated CPRS member for more than 30 years, Johnathan has served on the District XI Board, contributed to statewide committees, and educated thousands through CPRS and NRPA presentations. His LinkedIn presence is a motivational tool that preaches advocacy. His legacy of mentorship is exemplified by founding the Inland Empire Dr. Pepper Club, a trusted network that has guided and strengthened generations of parks and recreation leaders. Widely respected for his integrity, vision, and collaborative leadership, Johnathan Skinner has elevated communities, advanced professional standards, and inspired the field statewide, embodying the very spirit of the CPRS Hall of Fame.

Over the past 18 years, Erick Kong has been a champion in promoting recreation therapy through education. He has educated the field by presenting at international, national, and state conferences, including IAFOR, NRPA, CPRS, and ATRA. He has served on the CPRS’ Recreation Therapy Section board as President, Scholarship Committee Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Northern Senior Rep. Also, he has contributed to organizing the annual “RT Institute” at many CPRS conferences, where hundreds of recreation therapists and allied health specialists gather each year to learn, network, and grow as a recreation community.  Erick also fosters and mentors the next generation of recreation therapy professionals by bringing a group of recreation students each year to attend the CPRS conference, where they can network with other recreation professionals for internships, gain advanced skills, and get a head start in the field. He is truly a CPRS Champion.

Paint the Parks is a simple idea that transformed an entire community. In North Highlands, parks once marked by graffiti and safety concerns are now bursting with color, interactive art, and neighborhood pride—all thanks to volunteers, local businesses, and families who rolled up their sleeves and painted side-by-side. What started as a single mural grew into a movement: vandalism reduced significantly in every project location, park use increased, and residents became invested in caring for and activating their parks.
The magic of Paint the Parks is that it didn’t cost more—it simply thought differently. By turning problem areas into playful spaces and empowering the community to create together, North Highlands Recreation & Park District showed how small, intentional actions can make a big impact. The initiative became more than art—it became a shared experience that fostered pride, connection, and joy.

At Camp Orinda’s Sustainability Week, campers didn’t just learn about protecting the planet—they lived it. With hands in the soil and curiosity leading the way, kids explored composting, grew their own herbs, and discovered where our food and waste really come from. Through an exciting partnership with RecycleSmart*, sustainability came to life in ways that were fun, memorable, and empowering.
This innovative camp reimagined what parks and recreation programming can be—blending outdoor adventure, environmental education, and community connection into one unforgettable week. Campers left proud to call themselves “Eco Heroes,” taking home new skills, fresh ideas, and a passion for making a difference.
By embracing sustainability and collaboration, Orinda Parks and Recreation strengthened its role as a community leader—helping inspire the next generation to care for their environment, their community, and their future.
 

The Tulare Parks & Recreation’s "Letters to Jack Skellington" program is a community engagement program, designed to promote literacy, community connection, and holiday spirit. In 2025 our program went viral as we received 5,000 letters from all 50 U. States (including Guam and Puerto Rico), as well as from Canada, England, Scotland, Germany and Australia. This year the program not only connected local residents, but also a global connection through a shared, themed activity, creating a sense of belonging and community excitement during the Halloween season. Our program provides a fun and engaging creative writing prompt, motivating children to practice their letter-writing and communication skills. Our program promotes inclusivity, accessibility, and equity by leveraging digital tools to remove traditional participation barriers. Engaging in "kidulting" hobbies and imaginative activities help lower stress levels, invokes a sense of nostalgia, and provides a healthy, creative escape.

When the City of Davis Parks and Community Services team launched Mocktails and Menopause, they set out to bring humor, connection and health education together in one uplifting evening. The program invited women to gather, enjoy mocktails and talk openly about their menopause experience and journey with laughter and honesty.
The event sparked important conversations, fostered new community relationships and gave participants an opportunity to talk about what is needed for lifelong wellness. By turning an often-taboo topic into a celebration of shared experience, Mocktails and Menopause showcased how parks and recreation can be a powerful catalyst for inclusion and empowerment proving once again that in Davis, Parks Make Life Better!

Cyclovia Encinitas is a transformative open-streets event that opens iconic Coast Highway 101 to people on bike, foot or other modes of people-powered transportation, and free from cars, creating a safe environment that encourages physical activity and enhances mental wellness. The first event of its kind in North County, Cyclovia, is organized through a unique partnership between the City of Encinitas, its many partner groups, local businesses, highlighting sustainability, mobility, and health. With interactive booths, on-bike features, and educational activities, Cyclovia offers a memorable, family-friendly experience that strengthens community bonds, boosts the local economy, and showcases the benefits of active transportation. This innovative event not only enhances the well-being of residents but also sets a new standard for community engagement and environmental stewardship in Encinitas.

Watsonville is transforming how park planning is done. Through its first ever system-wide Parks Assessment, the City and consultant team combined GIS mapping, real time data collection, equity scoring, and community input to create the Parks Equity Values Assessment Tool: a complete, transparent inventory of every park amenity. This data driven tool turns uncertainty into clarity, pinpointing where investments will deliver the greatest community benefit.
 
Already, PEVAT has helped secure millions in park funding and guided high priority projects. It ensures fair and strategic investment across all neighborhoods, especially those historically underserved, while giving residents a direct voice in shaping their parks.
 
By rethinking how to use technology and how data is collected and processed, with authentic community feedback, Watsonville is building safer, healthier, and more vibrant parks, proving that innovation isn’t just about tools — it’s about empowering communities and making Parks Make Life Better! for everyone.

The City of Ontario Recreation & Community Services’ program, Promoting Ontario Wisdom and Engagement in Recreation (P.O.W.E.R.), is a dynamic initiative serving children ages 7 to 12, fostering mentorship, personal growth, and community engagement. P.O.W.E.R. provides participants with access to sports, special events, workshops, and excursions, creating meaningful opportunities to develop friendships, leadership skills, and self-confidence in a supportive environment. The program emphasizes physical activity and skill-building, helping youth strengthen both their social and personal identities while promoting healthy lifestyles.
Between March and December 2025, P.O.W.E.R. participants attended their first Recreation & Parks Commission Meeting, joined 10 all-day excursions, 10 monthly meetings, 8 workshops with special guest speakers, 2 service projects, 80 hours of sports clinics and mentoring, and a holiday dinner—totaling over 4,000 participation hours. Through these experiences, children are mentored, empowered, and inspired, making P.O.W.E.R. an exemplary program that enriches lives and strengthens community connections for young participants.

In the past year, the City of Rancho Cucamonga transformed both its built and cultural environment for bicycle safety through its Connect RC Bicycle Program. The City launched four miles of new protected bikeways and paths, created an innovative Safe Routes to School digital tool, and delivered dozens of education and outreach events including bike rodeos, family rides, including the City’s first Learn-to-Bike kindergarten program. Central to the effort was the creation of a resident led Connect RC Bicycle Subcommittee, ensuring ongoing community participation in decision-making and program development. Through free safety equipment distribution, school partnerships, and large community rides, the program reached new riders of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. The result is a stronger, safer, and more confident bicycling community, supported by a model that goes beyond basic infrastructure improvements to foster lasting cultural change.

What happens when a beloved spring tradition is redesigned with access, calm, and choice at its heart? The City of Moreno Valley’s Sunshine Eggstravaganza Adaptive Egg Hunt did just that, creating a joyful, fully inclusive experience for children ages 3–13 with disabilities. Families enjoyed adaptive egg-hunt options, including sensory pools, party eggs, jumbo eggs for fine-motor support, and festive egg leis, along with oversized games, hands-on crafts, and accessible coloring activities. Held indoors for comfort and accessibility, the event featured a quiet room, noise-canceling headphones, and a gentle Character Bunny photo, allowing children to participate comfortably and confidently. Strong attendance and heartfelt caregiver feedback highlighted how meaningful this experience was for families with limited inclusive opportunities. Through thoughtful design and community partnership, the Sunshine Eggstravaganza set a new standard for inclusive spring programming in Moreno Valley.

Coffee, Tea, and Me began as a simple idea: to create a safe and welcoming space for adults who often struggle to find community programs that meet their needs. What began as a quiet gathering has grown into a vibrant weekly hub for connection, creativity, and joy. Participants can choose from a variety of activities, including mindfulness exercises, crafts, games, movies, and karaoke, ensuring everyone feels included and engaged. 

Outdoor Explore - An Overnight Experience is a RivCoParks program created to help close the Nature Gap by making camping easier and more welcoming for low-income families who may not have had the chance to camp before. Through the Outdoor Equity Initiative, the program focuses on disadvantaged communities across Riverside County and is shaped by input from schools, community centers, parent groups, and local social media communities. Outdoor Explore offers free weekend camping experiences at Mayflower, Lake Cahuilla, and Hurkey Creek Regional Parks, including camping gear, help with setting up, family-friendly activities, outdoor education, meals, and chances to win additional camping supplies. By removing cost barriers and providing hands-on support, the program helps first-time campers feel comfortable outdoors, enjoy nature together, and build lasting connections with their local parks.

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program inspires children to explore, learn about and protect Orange County’s natural, cultural and historical resources through age-appropriate and interactive, observation-based activities. Created entirely in-house by OC Parks, the program can be completed independently or through guided exploration at 20 diverse OC Parks facilities, including regional, wilderness and historic parks. The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program is free to participate and includes four regional booklets with activities tailored to each park facility, helping participants develop a sense of belonging and stewardship. Available in five languages and accessible online or in-person, Jr. Ranger activities are designed to promote curiosity about the natural world around them. Participants can earn branded tiered incentives for completing activities, including park badges, a vest and backpack. The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program inspires visitors of all ages to explore and create memorable and meaningful outdoor experiences at OC Parks. 

The September Scramble has become one of San Luis Obispo’s most anticipated community traditions, celebrating its 8th Annual event with record-breaking excitement. The 2025 Scramble drew over 1,300 course completions from participants of all ages and abilities for a day of fitness, fun, and unforgettable memories. Hosted by San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department at Laguna Lake Golf Course, this family adventure transforms the venue into a ¾-mile obstacle challenge featuring over 25 unique obstacles—climbing walls, hay bale hurdles, mud pits, sand crawls, tire climbs, and wall netting—most built by Recreation staff and brought to life through volunteer and community support.
In celebration of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, the September Scramble inspires kids and families to get moving, challenge themselves, and embrace laughter, teamwork, and muddy joy. It’s more than an event - it’s a beloved tradition fostering health, connection, and lasting memories for all ages.

The City of Perris Senior Resource Fair is transforming how we care for and connect with our older adult community. What began as a simple idea—bringing essential services together in one place—has grown into a powerful day of support, dignity, and hope for seniors across the region. Each year, hundreds of seniors engage with more than 50 vendors offering health screenings, housing guidance, wellness resources, and meaningful human connection.

Tot Sports flagship community event, Tot Olympics, represents a 38-year legacy of fostering health, inclusion, and community spirit for our youngest residents, ages 2–6. These programs transition early childhood play into life skills, motor development, teamwork, and social confidence.  
 
Tot Olympics serves as the culmination of year-round programming in soccer, T-ball, and basketball. By transforming parks into miniature Olympic games, the program supports a non-competitive environment where every child is celebrated. Innovation is at the heart of the program, featuring inclusion through sensory-friendly sessions, beginner clinics, and adaptive options, ensuring participation of all abilities.  
 
Staff have utilized Census data and surveys since 2022, strategically expanding services to underserved and high-growth neighborhoods, including South Ontario, to welcome Ontario’s diverse population.  The program’s success is rooted in accessibility and strong local roots. By offering scholarships and subsidized fees, the City has removed financial barriers to participation, resulting in remarkable growth.   

Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District’s Oldlympics have been an annual highlight in Hemet and San Jacinto for 40 years.  An Olympics-style event for residents 50 and older, the OLDlympics feature favorite pastimes that promote both physical and mental wellness. 
Activities range from cerebral games, such as billiards and pinochle, to more physically demanding sports such as pickleball, swimming and track and field.
The OLDlympics fill a need by giving an underserved population an opportunity to compete and socialize, allowing older residents a chance to interact with people outside of their neighborhood.
The games are funded by Valley-Wide and sponsorships. Entry fees are kept low to encourage participation. 
The OLDlympics are community driven. Many of the activities are chaired by residents. They recruit players, set rules and oversee the competitions. Activities are added and deleted based on the wants of competitors.

The September Scramble has become one of San Luis Obispo’s most anticipated community traditions, celebrating its 8th Annual event with record-breaking excitement. The 2025 Scramble drew over 1,300 course completions from participants of all ages and abilities for a day of fitness, fun, and unforgettable memories. Hosted by San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department at Laguna Lake Golf Course, this family adventure transforms the venue into a ¾-mile obstacle challenge featuring over 25 unique obstacles—climbing walls, hay bale hurdles, mud pits, sand crawls, tire climbs, and wall netting—most built by Recreation staff and brought to life through volunteer and community support.
In celebration of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, the September Scramble inspires kids and families to get moving, challenge themselves, and embrace laughter, teamwork, and muddy joy. It’s more than an event - it’s a beloved tradition fostering health, connection, and lasting memories for all ages.

The September Scramble has become one of San Luis Obispo’s most anticipated community traditions, celebrating its 8th Annual event with record-breaking excitement. The 2025 Scramble drew over 1,300 course completions from participants of all ages and abilities for a day of fitness, fun, and unforgettable memories. Hosted by San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department at Laguna Lake Golf Course, this family adventure transforms the venue into a ¾-mile obstacle challenge featuring over 25 unique obstacles—climbing walls, hay bale hurdles, mud pits, sand crawls, tire climbs, and wall netting—most built by Recreation staff and brought to life through volunteer and community support.
In celebration of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, the September Scramble inspires kids and families to get moving, challenge themselves, and embrace laughter, teamwork, and muddy joy. It’s more than an event - it’s a beloved tradition fostering health, connection, and lasting memories for all ages.

The IMPACT Program connects Lancaster teens to their community through service, leadership, and opportunity. What began as a small volunteer scholarship program focused on beautification projects has grown into a citywide initiative where teens serve their city while building real-world skills and confidence.
In 2025 alone, 88 teens contributed more than 5,700 service hours, supporting major City events, collaborating with community partners, and developing leadership, teamwork, and professional skills along the way. Through skill-building workshops and teen-led Internship Committees, participants take ownership of projects that matter to them and help shape the program’s future.
IMPACT is about more than volunteer hours. It brings teens, families, and the community together to celebrate service, growth, and civic pride through events like the IMPACT Day of Service and Recognition and annual City Council presentations. By empowering young people to lead and belong, IMPACT is building stronger connections and a brighter future for Lancaster.

In 2023, a Suisun City staff member’s search for recreation programs for his son with Autism revealed a regional gap in services for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This ignited an innovative initiative by the Recreation, Parks, and Marina Department in partnership with Special Care Services, the North Bay Regional Center, and local agencies to launch Suisun City's first adaptive programming. Their flagship program, Club Chaos, grew steadily and inspired city funding to continue and expand offerings. In 2025, the department introduced an adaptive sports program and an inclusive Autism Acceptance Month Run that brought over 200 participants together. This initiative showcases the powerful impact of civic and community partnerships, creative funding, and ongoing staff training. It’s more than recreation — it’s a thriving community of inclusion, wellness, and belonging for all families.

The SGV Pride Parade & Festival is a free, student-led event that celebrates equality, diversity, and inclusion while creating a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ youth and community members in Monterey Park and the San Gabriel Valley. Launched in 2021 through a unique collaboration between the City of Monterey Park, Alhambra Teachers Association, and the Boys & Girls Club, it was the first Pride event of its kind in the region. The annual parade begins at a local high school and culminates in a vibrant community festival featuring nonprofit resources, youth-led performances, and educational programming, promotes unity and visibility. The event addresses critical community needs by providing access to free health, legal, and support resources, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth in a culturally diverse community. Through strong cross-sector partnerships, youth leadership, and community engagement, the SGV Pride Parade & Festival fosters belonging and resilience, while strengthening regional LGBTQ+ visibility and support.

The Adaptive Sports Fair is a transformative community event that brings inclusive, accessible recreation directly to Rancho Cucamonga residents and the Inland Empire helping bridge gaps in adaptive sports opportunities and fostering a culture of belonging for all residents. With more than 300 participants each year, the event provides hands-on access to wheelchair basketball, boccia, crutch soccer, disc golf, and other adaptive sports through partnerships with leading organizations such as SoCal Adaptive Sports and Live to Roll. Families consistently express gratitude for having local, equitable opportunities that promote physical activity, confidence, and connection. The event also serves as a gateway to year-round inclusive resources through the City’s Inclusive Programming webpage and regional referrals guide. By celebrating diverse abilities, strengthening community identity, and fostering long-term wellness, the Adaptive Sports Fair exemplifies community impact and positions Rancho Cucamonga as a leader in inclusive recreation.

The City of Soledad, a rural community of just over 24,000 residents in southern Monterey County, established its Parks and Recreation Department in 2021 as a catalyst for post-pandemic recovery and community resilience. Built on the foundation of Measure S funding, the department transformed an underutilized community center into a thriving hub that now welcomes more than 3,500 visitors each month, an impressive reach for a city of its size. Programs span youth sports, performing arts, senior wellness, workforce development, and community events that reflect Soledad’s diversity and pride.
The department’s model emphasizes sustainable growth through local funding, grant support, and youth employment pathways that strengthen both operations and community capacity. Partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and regional organizations extend reach and deepen impact.
What began as a small-city response to crisis evolved into a lasting system of connection, wellness, and opportunity, a blueprint for resilience in communities of any size.

While rooted in community well-being and connected communities, the Teen Alliance Program stands apart as a resilient systems model strengthening agency capacity by transforming youth engagement into a long-term civic leadership pipeline. For 30 years, the City of Norwalk’s Teen Alliance Program (T.A.P.) has intentionally developed youth into volunteers, interns, mentors, and future City employees.
Serving 250–350 teens annually, participants contribute more than 10,000 community service hours each year while gaining leadership, workforce, and life skills. Alumni now serve Norwalk and neighboring cities as recreation coordinators, public safety officers, analysts, supervisors, and civic leaders, demonstrating measurable return on investment and workforce sustainability. Strategic partnerships with Helpline Youth Counseling, Cerritos College, and City departments expand mental health, career readiness, and educational support without increasing municipal costs.
Recipient of the 2025 Cal Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence, T.A.P. is a proven, scalable model securing Norwalk’s civic leadership pipeline for generations.
 

Volunteer initiated and led Total Altruism Project (T.A.P.) is built on a simple idea: when people perform small acts of kindness, they feel better so why not make those acts easier? T.A.P. chose litter pickup as its shared act of kindness and installed convenient litter-grabber stations along popular park paths. When someone feels the impulse to help, a tool is already within reach, with multiple stations available to return it as they continue walking.
Launched in San Diego Parks in 2022, the program now serves five San Diego parks and two Santee parks. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents noting that the stations make it easier to care for their parks and act as everyday stewards of their environment.
 
Pairing a simple grabber and net with strategic placement, T.A.P. increases kindness, boosts community pride, and supports a cleaner environment, creating a ripple effect of good for everyone involved.

The Watershed Enhancement Team (WET) is proof that a few dedicated people can make a huge difference. Born in 2022 from a simple idea—neighbors helping nature—this tiny but mighty volunteer group has transformed the San Diego River Park through weekly cleanups, trail care, and habitat restoration. With no operational budget, WET has removed thousands of pounds of trash, cleared invasive species, and kept miles of trails open and safe for everyone. But the magic goes beyond the work—seniors, students, and local groups come together each week, building friendships, learning new skills, and strengthening their community. WET shows what’s possible when people take ownership of the places they love. It’s not just about maintaining a park—it’s about restoring connection, purpose, and pride along the San Diego River.

Fairfield’s revitalization of Allan Witt Community Park reflects the true spirit of Parks Make Life Better!, creating spaces that enrich health, strengthen community ties, and inspire meaningful recreation for all. The park’s refreshed layout and renewed activity areas have brought it back to life as a vibrant, welcoming destination, with the new All-Inclusive Playground serving as its standout feature. Co-designed with families, caregivers, and experts, the playground offers accessible equipment, sensory-focused experiences, and calming retreat zones that support children of every ability. The iconic rocketship tower, reimagined from the park’s original landmark, bridges generations and invites exploration and imagination. This renovation showcases Fairfield’s commitment to providing safe, inclusive, and transformative public spaces, revitalizing not just a park, but the community’s sense of connection, pride, and possibility.

Redeveloping a park that predates a city is a challenge.  With over 10 years of planning included recognizing the overall need of a “new” park Cypress is pleased with the outcome!  New playing fields that require minimal maintenance are now available for the next round of women athletes of Cypress.  The pickleball community now has a sense of place and the courts are packed all the time.  Most importantly, past security concerns have been addressed allowing Arnold Cypress Park to be used by ALL in a safe and secure manner.  These reimaged results have led to the area directly surrounding Arnold Cypress Park to be accessible and revitalized.

Completed in April 2025, the Pikes Peak Park Playground Replacement Project in Norco, California was designed to provide a safe, inclusive, and imaginative play environment for children of all abilities. The 4,300 square foot facility reflects the City’s agrarian heritage and animal-keeping lifestyle with themed structures, including a barn, tractor, corn maze, and orchard climber, while modern features, such as ADA compliant ramps, adaptive swings, sensory playhouses, and poured in place surfacing, ensure accessibility, durability, and safety. Distinct play zones for toddlers through grade school children, shaded seating, and resilient pathways make the playground versatile and welcoming for families and visitors. Social media engagement exceeding 688,000 views and heartfelt stories of grandparents playing alongside grandchildren highlight its impact. A municipally operated destination, the Pikes Peak Park Playground stands as one of Norco’s most innovative and community defining investments in outdoor recreation.

The Live Oak Park playground project has been a significant success in Temple City, reflecting strong community engagement and thoughtful design. By reimagining a beloved historic rocket structure in a modern, inclusive form, the project successfully honored community memories while creating a dynamic space for today’s families. The new playground has increased usage across a broad range of age groups, encouraged imaginative and active play, and strengthened the park's role as a community gathering place. Positive feedback from residents highlights appreciation for the project’s ability to bridge generations, preserve local identity, and deliver a visually distinctive and functional play experience that will serve the community for years to come.

Fremont Park’s renovation in South Glendale reimagined a historic neighborhood park into a vibrant, community-centered space that reflects the identity and needs of those who use it daily. Addressing a long-standing gap in park access, the 7.9-acre transformation delivers a thoughtful balance of active recreation and quiet gathering spaces. Community voices shaped inclusive pathways, shaded seating, and play areas alongside modern amenities—a community building with Wi-Fi, two playgrounds with sensory features, a water-recirculating splash pad, upgraded courts, an outdoor fitness zone, and a multi-use turf field. Sustainability is woven throughout with a perimeter bioswale, permeable paving, and solar canopies generating 290 kW of clean energy while capturing stormwater. Since its Grand Re-Opening on October 11, 2025, which drew 2,500 attendees, Fremont Park has seen renewed enthusiasm and daily use, standing as a model for how thoughtful engagement and modern design can create a thriving, resilient community asset.

DEWBEYÚMUWEɁ Park rehabilitated a formerly contaminated riverfront site into an inviting public space reconnecting the Town of Truckee to the river.  The park balances ecological restoration, riverfront activation, nature-based play and cultural representation along the Truckee River.  The park now links downtown and the Legacy Trail, further reconnecting the community to nature.  After intense environmental rehabilitation and additions of resilient infrastructure, the park is now a healthy and welcoming space for visitors to enjoy the river and gather together.  A self-regenerative meadow, nature play elements and accessible pathways encourage recreation for all ages and abilities.  The Washoe Tribe collaborated on native plant selection, interpretive elements and the park’s name.  DEWBEYÚMUWEɁ, meaning “the water running out”, honors the river’s importance to the Tribe, Town and surrounding region.  DEWBEYÚMUWEɁ Park demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform an isolated industrial site into a living landscape that supports environmental health and community connection.

The Westpark Skatepark Expansion transformed a worn 3,200-square-foot bowl into one of the largest, most inclusive skateparks in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties. Today, this 20,000-square-foot destination is almost six times larger than its orignal foorprint and features world-class skate elements, colorful murals by local artists, drought-tolerant landscaping, upgraded lighting, and improved access, shaped directly by the community's input. Located in Ventura’s Westside, a designated disadvantaged community, the project represents years of collaboration, grassroots advocacy, and thoughtful planning. Eleven community meetings, local fundraising, multiple Parks & Recreation Commission hearings, the City’s first design-build contract, and a nearly $2 million state grant brought this long-awaited vision to life. The result is a stellar recreation space built for movement, creativity, safety, and generational use. The Westpark Skatepark is now one of Ventura’s crowned recreation jewels, celebrating its rich local skate culture and strong community partnerships.

The renovation of Zumwalt Park has transformed a once underused green space into a central hub for entertainment, recreation, and economic revitalization. The addition of the Adventist Health Amphitheater provides a space for world-class live concerts and community celebrations. The park serves as a cornerstone of the city’s Downtown Master Plan, drawing 35,000 to 50,000 visitors annually. Local businesses have reported increased business, indicating a significant boost to the local economy. New features include a custom-designed playground, a zipline, and a splash pad with integrated misters and colored lighting for summer cooling. The park offers free events to promote public wellness and connection, such as: Yoga, Cross Training, Tai Chi, and Folklorico dance lessons. Its inclusive design includes ADA-accessible restroom upgrades, ADA accessible playground, and walkable paths to ensure the space is accessible to all residents. Beyond concerts, the park hosts movie nights, car shows, holiday celebrations, and nonprofit events.

American Canyon’s veteran community is deeply rooted in the City’s culture. To celebrate local veterans unable to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., the City brought a replica of the exhibit to them. As the only City in Northern California selected to host The Wall That Heals in 2025, the City expanded its communications and created its first regional marketing campaign to attract over 3,000 visitors to the exhibit in a 4 day period. To ensure involvement from local community leaders, stakeholders and partners, the City created an Ad-Hoc Subcommittee to assist with the marketing and execution of the exhibit. In addition to traditional communication channels, the City explored new platforms, advertising and built on emotional connections to ensure the campaign’s success. Hosting The Wall strengthened community identity, promoted emotional wellness and provided an unforgettable educational experience, leaving a legacy for veterans, residents and future generations.

The Giant Pumpkin Festival is Elk Grove’s premiere community event, and its 2025 marketing campaign set out to accomplish three simple directives: celebrate shared tradition; surprise newcomers; and deliver a fall experience that feels like Elk Grove – which is to say, warm, welcoming, and just a little larger than life. To achieve this, the event’s marketing campaign pursued all possible advertising channels – digital, physical, and collaborative – to reach every demographic in the city and make them feel personally welcome at the festival. From billboards to social media to partner toolkits, promotional materials were designed to center and uplift the community that makes the event possible. Through these efforts, Cosumnes CSD seeks not to grow the festival into a statewide event, but simply to provide the community with some good old-fashioned family fun...right in their own backyard.

Newark Recreation turned a simple idea into a citywide storytelling movement. What started as a coloring book for Big Truck Day grew into a full comic book series that brings real City staff to life on the page — from Recreation to Public Works, Police, and Fire. Using photos transformed into illustrations, kids get to “meet” the people who keep Newark running, building trust, pride, and connection at every event. These books have become a community favorite, with families asking when the next issue drops and departments requesting copies for their teams. More than 2,500 books have been shared so far, helping families understand city services in a fun, accessible, totally Newark way. This project not only bridges communication gaps — it supports our upcoming Public Arts Plan and proves that storytelling, creativity, and collaboration can bring a whole city together.

For the first time, the City of Folsom Parks & Recreation Department told its full story in one cohesive document. The Annual Report was created to build trust, increase transparency, and show residents how parks and recreation support health, connection, and community well-being. Designed to be screen-friendly with a horizontal format yet print-ready, the report combines original photography, clear storytelling, and easy-to-understand visuals to highlight accomplishments, financial stewardship, and goals for the future. More than a report, it became a shared narrative, celebrating the people behind the work, recognizing hundreds of volunteers and partners, and giving City leaders and commissioners a powerful tool to advocate for Parks & Recreation. By transforming complex information into an accessible, people-centered story, the Annual Report strengthened understanding, pride, and trust, showing how parks and recreation help shape a vibrant community.

Cosumnes CSD’s Summer Camp brochure turned a complex lineup of programs into a clear and inviting planning tool. Mailed to nearly 14,000 homes the moment camp registration opened, it positioned the District as a first stop for families planning their summer. With authentic camp photography, a clean comparison layout, and a kid-approved look featuring their mascot, the brochure made it easy for families to “Choose Your Summer Adventure.” A built-in planner added a practical worksheet for parents to use all season.Created entirely in-house, the brochure reduced costs and was later repurposed in the Summer Activity Guide for consistent campaign messaging. The impact was significant: more than 1,200 early registrations generated a 41% increase in early revenue, and set the stage for a 32% increase in total summer camp enrollment.The project shows how thoughtful design and strategic timing can expand access to youth recreation in a rapidly growing community.

The Assorted Sounds of Malibu Recreation ASMR social media series has achieved notable success by blending sensory-driven content with the facilities and landscapes of the Community Services Department. Through short-form videos that spotlight soothing sounds and beautiful images, Malibu has tapped into the growing cultural appeal of ASMR while promoting department facilities and programming. This innovative approach not only differentiates the brand in a crowded digital landscape but also creates an immersive experience that feels both relaxing and refreshing. The series has resonated strongly with younger audiences, driving high engagement across platforms and sparking widespread sharing. By combining trend-aware creativity with visually striking, sound-focused storytelling, the City of Malibu Community Services Department has expanded its reach and strengthened its social media presence. The campaign demonstrates how sensory-led content can boost visibility, foster emotional connection, and transform a simple moment into something memorable and delightfully unexpected.

Our viral fish stocking campaign turned a routine park activity into one of our most effective marketing and communication tools. The first fish stock video was posted on November 6, 2024, immediately hitting a viral level. Within one year our Instagram account grew from 1,000 to more than 13,000 followers. The series reached more than 1.8 million views and introduced thousands of residents in California and nationwide to local fishing opportunities at RivCoParks. The increased visibility led to a $70,000 increase in fishing revenue from just the year prior, and residents began visiting more often because they saw the videos online. The social media campaign showed that strategic marketing can strengthen community connection and increase access to outdoor recreation. These reels are a clear example of how parks create accesses to outdoor recreation through creative story telling on social media. 

Every Wednesday from May through August, Water Wednesdays brought water safety to life on Instagram. The goal was simple: teach important skills in a fun and easy-to-watch way. The series reached thousands of residents, including many who do not follow our page. Parents said the videos helped them feel more confident around water, and many viewers signed up for swim lessons or asked about lifeguard jobs. Community partners shared the reels with schools and recreation programs, spreading the message even further. Water Wednesdays turned safety education into a story people wanted to watch. It connected families to our staff, celebrated our lifeguards, and made learning about water safety fun, engaging, and memorable.

The Rengstorff Park Aquatics Center (RPAC) is a transformational community project that brings year-round swimming, wellness, and connection to the heart of Mountain View. Replacing a 1959 pool, the center was shaped through hands-on workshops, surveys, and a collaborative process that ensured the final design reflected what the community truly needed: reliability, inclusion, and space for all ages. The facility now supports a range of programs, from swim lessons and Recreation Swim to lap swimming, water fitness, and family celebrations—programs that have experienced significant growth since opening. Users frequently share how much they love the welcoming design, dependable access, and expanded opportunities to learn, play, and stay active. As one of California’s first fully electric municipal aquatics centers, RPAC also leads the way in climate-forward design. Its advanced heat pumps, solar-assisted systems, and smart controls deliver stable water quality, lower impacts, and a healthier future for the community.

The Valencia Community Center has transformed a long-vacant YMCA facility into a vibrant hub that meets the diverse needs of our community. Since reopening, we've welcomed over 19,000 visitors in just one year, averaging 1,500 each month! Families and seniors alike share heartwarming stories of connection and engagement through our innovative programs. With a focus on inclusivity, we’ve designed spaces that welcome everyone, regardless of age or background. Our commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency ensures that we not only thrive today but continue to serve for years to come. Celebrating our success, we hosted a community event that showcased our offerings and fostered pride in our center. The Valencia Community Center stands as a testament to what happens when a community comes together, turning a once-closed space into a lively, inclusive environment that truly enhances the quality of life for all residents. Join us in celebrating this remarkable transformation!

The Willard Park Clubhouse and Restroom Replacement project transformed a cramped, outdated 565-square-foot building into a vibrant, inclusive, and climate-smart hub for South Berkeley.  Demand quickly followed: reservable space is booked up to eight months in advance, and afterschool enrollment jumped by 100% from 45 to 80 children—no longer spilling into the park for lack of indoor space. Children now enjoy warm, well-ventilated rooms, gender-neutral restrooms, and flexible spaces for quiet or active play, while staff can provide hot meals, diverse programming, and conduct confidential staff operations as needed. Park visitors love the centrally located public restroom with ADA-accessible stalls and baby-changing stations, dramatically improving usability for caregivers. Guided by input from at least 200 community members over a three-year process that was challenged by COVID, the LEED Gold, Net Zero, solar-powered clubhouse also serves as a neighborhood resiliency hub during climate and emergency events.

The Ashland Roots Center (ARC) is a transformative, community-driven facility embedded within the Madrone Terrace affordable housing project in Ashland, California. Flexible, multi-use spaces, a breezeway connecting daycare, community spaces, a future park, and ADA-compliant design ensure accessibility for all. Innovative public–private collaboration between HARD and RCD enabled the integration of affordable housing, recreation, and childcare while leveraging sustainable, cost-effective operations. Grand opening celebrations, attended by community leaders and residents, showcased the facility’s immediate impact and strengthened support for the adjacent, forthcoming Ashland Grove Park. ARC exemplifies a holistic approach to serving underserved communities, combining education, recreation, and social connectivity in a welcoming, adaptable, and sustainable environment.

San Diego’s iconic Botanical Building has been fully restored to its 1915 glory while welcoming visitors like never before. The project rebuilt the steel structure, historic redwood lath, arcade, windows, and copper cupola while salving and preserving in place valuable plant specimens, including the century-old Moreton Bay Fig tree. For the first time, the building features modern irrigation, a cutting-edge misting system with environmental sensors, and state-of-the-art interior and exterior lighting that transforms the space into a dynamic, immersive environment. Accessible pathways and seating make the building inclusive for visitors of every age and ability. Supported by state and federal grants, City funding, and private donations, this restoration preserves a beloved cultural landmark, strengthens community identity, and provides a living classroom for generations of students, gardeners, and park visitors. Today, the Botanical Building stands as a symbol of stewardship, collaboration, and community pride.