Jim Wheeler’s legacy in parks and recreation is as deep as the waters he has helped shape. As a founding force behind the CPRS Aquatics Section, Jim helped set the standard for excellence in aquatic programming and safety across California. His leadership extends far beyond aquatics, serving on the CPRS State Board for numerous years, culminating in his role as CPRS President in 2017-18. Jim’s impact can be felt in the very fabric of CPRS. He coined the phrase 1 CPRS and lives by it—tirelessly working to unite members, districts, sections, board members, and staff into a strong, connected community. His passion for parks and recreation emanates from his heart, inspiring generations of professionals to lead with dedication and purpose. Now, as Chair of the California Foundation for Parks & Recreation, he continues to champion the future of our profession. Thank you Jim, for your remarkable contributions and lasting legacy to CPRS and the profession!

Andrea Zepeda is an influential leader in District 10. She has served on and co-chaired multiple committees every year since joining CPRS. She joined the District 10 Board of Directors as the first-ever Membership Outreach Coordinator and made a significant impact by providing Dues Relief to members throughout the District. Now, as the current Director of Fundraising, Andrea works with various sponsors to obtain the finances needed for scholarships and trainings. As an ambitious and inspirational figure, Andrea exemplifies the values of Parks Make Life Better! Her work fosters learning, growth, and community engagement, making her a well-deserving recipient of this prestigious Rising Professional award.

Jackie Villalvazo currently serves as Recreation Coordinator for the City of San Gabriel and the Director of Communications for the CPRS District 13 board. Jackie is a shining light within the recreation profession and has made an immense impact within the communities she has worked with. She is sure to reach great heights within the profession and will continue to leverage her education, experience and determination to have a positive influence on the lives of many more youth throughout her career. Jackie Villalvazo is truly a Rising Professional within the recreation profession.

The Fontana Community Senior Center’s Senior Paint Night is an extremely popular program that promotes physical, emotional, and mental well-being for seniors while fostering community connection. Led by specially trained staff, participants follow step-by-step instructions to create their own artwork, enhancing fine motor skills, reducing stress, and stimulating cognitive function. The event fosters inclusivity by offering scholarships, grants, and transportation opportunities, ensuring accessibility for all seniors. Collaboration with Fontana’s Visual Arts Division strengthens the program, providing professional guidance and resources. This program has sold out consistently for the past three years, with a 97% five out of five-star participant satisfaction rate. Senior Paint Night enhances social cohesion, combats isolation, and creates lasting, meaningful experiences for seniors. The event has proven to be an essential part of promoting aging well in Fontana and how “parks make life better.”

In the City of Lancaster, the Antelope Valley Walls mural program transformed public spaces into community canvases, revitalizing neighborhoods and inspiring civic pride. Through local and international artist collaborations, vibrant artworks reflect diverse histories and values, addressing a need for cultural engagement and economic vitality. The program’s inclusive approach ensured that all residents, including historically underserved groups, actively participated, creating a dynamic, accessible public gallery. Foot traffic, business growth, and community feedback confirmed success, while curated workshops, tours, and online engagement broadened reach and fostered learning and collaboration. Data-driven analysis demonstrated tangible results: increased patronage at local businesses, expanded visitor demographics, and enhanced social cohesion. By blending cultural stewardship, economic stimulation, and community voice, Antelope Valley Walls sets a precedent for public art as a transformative force, strengthening Lancaster’s identity and paving the way for a more vibrant future.

Modelled after the infamous San Diego Comic-Con, City of Vacaville’s Vaca-Con is a unique multi-day event that celebrates all things pop culture but with a special emphasis on highlighting the talents of the local community and Northern California region. It features cosplayers, an exhibitor hall, artist alley, guest speaker panels, sensory friendly activities, food vendors and more. At its core, Vaca-Con provides a safe, family friendly environment for the growth of emotional wellness through individual expression and fosters social acceptance and cohesiveness through shared nostalgia. Where else would you find Spiderman engaging with Sailor Moon in a heated discussion about the latest season of One Piece while in line to get the autograph of a WWE wrestler?

Baldwin Park's Summer Concerts in the Park and Downtown Street Market series transforms Morgan Park and Maine Avenue into vibrant community spaces that drive economic growth while strengthening social connections. This innovative 10-week program features carefully curated marketplaces with 130 non-competing vendors, prioritizing local businesses through discounted rates and provided equipment. Two strategically placed beer gardens and dedicated kids' zones create natural gathering spaces for the 5,000-8,000 weekly attendees. The program goes beyond entertainment, partnering with NextGen and America's Job Center to create 150 local jobs, including 60 positions for youth from families receiving public assistance. Local businesses report revenue increases up to 500% during events, while viral social media coverage has reached over 200,000 viewers. In a city where the per capita income is $26,664, these free events provide accessible entertainment while boosting economic vitality, proving how recreation spaces can be leveraged to address community needs and foster prosperity.

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.

In 2021, Roseville Parks, Recreation & Libraries (PRL) embarked on the development of its first strategic master plan in over 25 years, FuturePRL. PRL enlisted Pros Consulting to lead the effort, which included a market analysis, community engagement, park and facility assessment, sports tourism strategy, program and organizational review, financial analysis and a resulting Action Plan that provides guidance for the plan's implementation. The process involved input from more than 1,000 individuals through public meetings, focus groups, stakeholder interviews, benchmarking, and community surveys. An Action Plan scorecard monitors the plan's progress. Success is evidenced through the City's support for plan recommendations, which has included funding for additional positions, new and improved parks and facilities, and enhanced programming. PRL is proud that FuturePRL represents Roseville's needs as expressed by the residents and users themselves; reflects our department's mission, vision and values; and provides a roadmap for our successful future.

The City of Corona’s Volunteer Program provides a central process to access volunteer opportunities throughout the city and its various departments. This flexible program allows for traditional ongoing site-based volunteerism, single day drop-in events, and even self-guided opportunities. Popular offerings, like the monthly Corona Beautiful Community Cleanup, have reactivated and empowered neighbors to connect and give back in meaningful ways. New policies and technology have also allowed City staff to maximize efficiencies while maintaining a sense personal touch and connection with its residents. Implemented in 2021, the program now boasts over 1,400 activate volunteers who have contribute more than 21,000 hours of service each year, valued at over $725,000. Through investment and innovation, the City now has means to actively engage its residents and help foster a culture that makes the city truly feel like home.  

Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District (RivCoParks) launched the Outdoor Equity Initiative to eliminate barriers to outdoor recreation, fostering inclusivity and access for all. This program, aligned with the CPRS California Action Plan, addresses economic and systemic disparities while promoting physical and mental health through nature engagement. Introduced in 2021, the initiative utilized American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to implement Special Event Fee Waivers, benefiting small businesses and community gatherings. Expanding its reach, RivCoParks standardized fee waivers for all events and introduced programs like Youth Fishing Clinics, Summer Camps, and Veteran Fishing Derbies. The Library Pass Program extended access to underserved communities, ensuring equitable participation. Through innovative funding strategies and collaborations with local businesses, government, and nonprofits, RivCoParks empowered families to connect with nature while emphasizing conservation and stewardship. This initiative bridges the "Nature Gap," enhancing well-being and strengthening Riverside County’s commitment to inclusivity and environmental education.

The City of Monrovia’s Summer Teen Program, SPOT (Summer Program Opportunity for Teens), is a model of community collaboration and youth engagement. This free 10-week, Friday night program, hosted in Library Park, offers a safe, vibrant space for teens in grades 6–12 to connect through activities like sports, art, music, and meals from local restaurants. By partnering with schools, businesses, and community groups, SPOT provides positive alternatives to unsupervised hangouts, helping to reduce risky behaviors. Each year, the program evolves, with recent enhancements including a redesigned layout, new community partners, and peer-led contributions like curated music playlists. Weekly themes, such as glow-in-the-dark golf and skateboarding demos, reflect teens' interests, while local organizations add creative activities like hair braiding and henna art. With consistent attendance of over 100 teens each week, SPOT fosters social bonds, personal growth, and strong community connections, solidifying its role as a transformative, youth-centered initiative.

The UN Plaza Skate Park represents a significant transformation for downtown San Francisco, catalyzing a revitalization that will resonate within the community for years to come. Previously characterized by homeless encampments and widespread drug activity, this area has been transformed into a vibrant, secure, and dynamic environment that has garnered positive feedback from skaters, tourists, and City officials alike. This skate park provides a unique opportunity for generations of skaters to develop their skills amidst a diverse array of features that reflect the rich tapestry of the San Francisco community.

Temecula provides high-quality public amenities elevating the quality of life.  The Margarita Recreation Center (MRC) is our newest intergenerational recreational facility opened on Saturday, March 23, 2024.  The facility goal is to bring all walks of life together to enjoy a wide range of activities, programs, and services that are most important to our residents.  By remaining flexible, adaptive, and responsive to the evolving needs of the community and resources, the City has transformed a challenging property into a Community Services asset which is programmed for the specific needs of the community it serves.  Facilities and public spaces that foster interaction and social cohesion across generations build strong relationships across age, race, socio-economic classes, and other traditional divides.  The MRC presents lifelong community engagement, enrichment, educational, and physical environments promoting healthy living.  The City of Temecula’s impactful and integrated system of accessible human services supports individuals and families for life.

The Belle Haven Community Campus (BHCC) is a 37,000-square-foot, multi-service facility built to serve the Belle Haven neighborhood, one of the most diverse areas in San Mateo County. It was created to address historical inequities, including redlining and discriminatory practices. The campus consolidates five previous community-serving programs into one space, offering a variety of services, including fitness, youth and adult libraries, a senior lounge, and an aquatic center. The design prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, with ADA-compliant features and a discounted fee structure for local residents.
BHCC was developed through a collaboration between the Belle Haven community, the City of Menlo Park, and Meta Platforms, Inc., which contributed $40 million. The center also features sustainable design, including solar energy, electric vehicle charging, and a battery microgrid. Extensive community engagement ensured the project reflected local needs and aspirations, with support from the Belle Haven neighborhood, city council, commissioners, and various community organizations.

The Pacific View Arts Center (PVAC) is a vibrant community asset in Encinitas, transforming a long-vacant, historically significant site into a dynamic space for creativity and connection. Through adaptive reuse, the City preserved the mid-century modern architecture of the former Pacific View Elementary School while updating it to serve modern community needs. PVAC offers a diverse array of arts programming for all ages, promotes accessibility, and fosters inclusivity through scholarships and specialized programs. Community collaboration was central to the project, with extensive input from local organizations, residents, and arts groups guiding decisions on design, programming, and operations. Innovative funding strategies, including ARPA and PEG funding, supported the renovation, ensuring PVAC became a hub for arts and culture. By providing a space for creative expression, PVAC strengthens community identity, fosters social connections, and supports Encinitas’ cultural and economic vitality.

The Centennial Way Park South project in South San Francisco transforms an underutilized, previously blighted, space into a vibrant community hub. Nearly five acres of new parkland provides essential recreational and educational amenities, including a skate park, bike pump track, fitness stations, and pollinator gardens. The park fosters community wellness by offering diverse spaces for people of all ages, especially in an underserved neighborhood. Collaboration with local skateboarding advocates led to the creation of a unique skate plaza, gaining regional attention and pride. Additionally, the project supports environmental education with its outdoor classroom and promotes sustainable practices. The park's success is evident in its popularity, attracting a diverse range of users and becoming a regional destination, as evidenced by media coverage and viral social media posts. Centennial Way exemplifies the power of parks to improve physical, emotional, and social well-being.

The San Diego State University (SDSU) Mission Valley River Park transforms what was once the largest expanse of contiguous parking lot paving west of the Mississippi River into a vibrant regional open-space destination. SDSU Mission Valley’s 34-acre River Park plays a critical role in the transformation of this legacy property in San Diego. Providing much needed recreation space, the park enhances the health, well-being, and quality of life for San Diego residents. Likewise, the improvements expand the ecology and strengthen the habitat along the San Diego River; creating positive change that will have a truly generational impact.

The City of Fountain Valley and the Fountain Valley Community Foundation collaborated on the first ever Universally Accessible Playground (UAP) and recreation area in Fountain Valley! Designed to bring people together, a UAP is a sensory-rich recreational environment that enables children and adults of all abilities to develop physically, socially, and emotionally. Universally Accessible Playgrounds remove barriers between kids, despite any differences, and gives them the chance to play and grow together.  Centrally located at the Fountain Valley Sports Park, this playground provides accessible and inclusive recreational amenities and is sure to become a highlighting attraction in our community.  With support and collaboration from the State of California, the Federal Government, and the community of Fountain Valley…WE PLAY TOGETHER!

Children's Park transformed a dilapidated and dangerous space within the heart of the city into an epicenter of activation.  The park honors the overarching intentions of the initial design by preserving the civic pond, urban forest, and overall form representing the nexus between the bay and urban grid.  It does so while injecting life into the park through the introduction of broad and inclusive experiences.  Community-building opportunities are in abundance; exploring the “tree house” playground, socializing in the dog park, playing games with neighbors, or picnicking on the civic lawn; the park including something for everyone.  Children's Park exemplifies what is possible when the community, agency, and design team share and nurture a unified vision.  The result is a dynamic space that honors it’s past while looking to the future. 

With colorful prehistoric rock formations and stunning views, Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is full of adventure waiting to be discovered. The 500-acre area offers 6 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding in a protected and preserved natural environment within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. 
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is home to an abundance of plants and animals. Great care and attention were paid to preserving this natural space while designing a trail system that also allowed for expanded public use. To balance conservation and recreation, the area is accessible to the public through regularly scheduled activities and programs, where visitors can enjoy two viewing decks and learn about the area’s history and habitats through engaging interpretive programs and educational signage. 
Nearly 2,600 people have visited Gypsum Canyon Wilderness since opening in November 2023, welcoming visitors of all ages to this beautiful new outdoor space.

The Bradley Bike Park in San Marcos is the first of its kind in Northern San Diego County, transforming a community challenge into a celebrated recreational asset. Opened in June 2024, the park features a pump track and three progressive jump lines, offering a safe, inclusive space for bikers of all ages and skill levels. Its development was driven by grassroots advocacy after unsanctioned bike jumps in protected open space created environmental and financial challenges for the City.
Through innovative collaboration with the San Diego Mountain Bike Association, the Friends of San Marcos Parks & Recreation, and local youth, the City secured grants and input to bring the park to life. Attracting 100+ daily visitors and earning over 100,000 impressions on initial media posts, the park has become a hub for wellness, skill-building, and community connection. Bradley Bike Park exemplifies the transformative power of community-driven solutions in parks and recreation.

Temecula’s Community Services Department (TCSD) creates community through parks, people, and programs with a consistent, creative, and relevant social media presence. TCSD’s robust content calendar is scheduled with various Division highlights showcasing our cohesive community culture. Social media is our main source of information sharing through
engaging posts, videos, events, and promotions generating press coverage, editorials, and community engagement. In 2023-2024, TCSD’s Instagram: Increased 7,507 to 14,060 Followers, Created 87 Reels: 1,290,703 views (2023 = 469,000 views)
Released 275+ Posts, Posting quality content at least once daily resulted in an increase in interactions and follows (934.8%), and we have seen a steady increase of approximately 13% year-over-year. Parks and Recreation social pages are a very specific niche in the Instagram/Facebook/YouTube ecosystem. With careful planning and content creation based on trends, pop-culture, and current events, our Team has been able to grow our account to over 14,000 followers.

The Giant Pumpkin Festival is Elk Grove’s premiere community event, and its 30th Anniversary called for a full-force social media marketing campaign. The campaign's goal was to celebrate the event’s history and uplift the community, without which it would not be possible. Everything posted to the campaign was produced entirely in-house, relying heavily on interdepartmental collaboration and the software and resources already owned by the Cosumnes Community Services District. Through a variety of posts using photos, videos, and graphics, ranging from comedic and lighthearted to formal and informational, the social media account developed anticipation for, appreciation of, and pride in not just the festival but the entire Elk Grove community. The event may be a Cosumnes CSD affair, but at its core, it belongs to the people of Elk Grove, and the campaign reflects this sentiment in every post.

The Burbank Parks and Recreation Department, in collaboration with the Burbank Youth Board, proudly present Vaporized, a powerful anti-vaping public service announcement. In 2021, Burbank secured a $448,312 grant through the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program which provided citywide education on Burbank’s anti-vaping ordinance in public parks, while also engaging youth through the development of this impactful PSA. The 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey by the Centers for Disease Control states 10% of American students in 6th through 12th grade have used a tobacco product, with e-cigarettes being the most used. In response to this alarming trend, the Department partnered with the Youth Board to create Vaporized, a compelling, student-driven video that uses creative storytelling and powerful statistics to raise awareness
about the serious consequences of vaping. From a high schooler’s perspective, Vaporized captures attention,
educates, and vividly illustrates the harmful impact vaping has on today's youth.

The National Water Safety Month video campaign, a collaboration between Roseville Parks, Recreation & Libraries and the Roseville Fire Department, successfully raised awareness about the importance of water safety. This five-part video series, which focused on the Five Layers of Protection—barriers, water competency, life jackets and emergency preparation—featured expert testimony and a local family. By utilizing digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, the campaign reached nearly 15,000 viewers, ensuring the message was widely distributed. The campaign’s innovative, accessible and engaging content not only promoted water safety but also highlighted vital resources, such as the City of Roseville’s Operation Swim program, aimed at assisting underserved families. This initiative demonstrated the power of collaboration, community involvement and creative digital strategies in addressing a crucial public safety issue.

To increase the revenue-generating potential of the municipally owned and operated Ingalls Event Center, the City of Norco launched www.ingallseventcenter.com in November 2023. It was well-known that the 80-acre facility, which evolved from a park to an event center over time, suffered from a lack of brand presence, clear brand identity, and digital footprint. To address these challenges, Norco created a dedicated website to provide an engaging, attractive, and on brand customer experience and introduction to the event center and its collection of versatile venues. It’s not every day that you see a small city launch a brand or website in the hospitality/tourism industry, let alone for a world-class event center that can host rodeos and livestock shows to weddings and conferences. Norco’s brand and website launch was a large undertaking, but this investment will ultimately differentiate Ingalls Event Center from municipal and private competitors and support future growth and revenue generation.

The award-winning marketing campaign developed by the City of Santa Maria was designed to support and promote the Santa Maria Outdoor Recreation Experience (SMORE) Grant that the city received from the California Department of Parks and Recreation Outdoor Equity Grant. The purpose of the grant is to encourage families to get back into the outdoors and resume more active lifestyles after the pandemic kept people isolated and indoors. Thanks to the innovative and comprehensive marketing strategies utilized, the City of Santa Maria exceeded attendance quotas for each age category and is now looking for other funding to keep the program going after this grant cycle has ended. The SMORE Grant programs have been one of the most well attended series of events ever! The success highlights a strong effort with the program staff, parks division employees, marketing staff and managers! Obviously, many people are having SMORE fun in Santa Maria!

Why This Campaign Matters: The naming campaign for the Placer Valley Soccer Complex was about more than just securing a sponsor—it was about creating a lasting legacy for the community. By combining innovative outreach, strategic partnerships and a commitment to inclusivity, the campaign highlighted Roseville’s leadership in recreation and collaboration. It successfully positioned the complex as a vibrant hub for sports and community connection while ensuring its financial and operational sustainability for years to come.

RivCoParks, in partnership with RivCoHR, launched an innovative recruitment campaign utilizing exceptional videography to
highlight the prestigious and honorable roles of Rangers and field staff. Facing a critical staffing shortage due to the expansion of our Parks, Open-Space areas, homeless outreach teams, and event services, this campaign effectively showcased the dedication and impact of Park District employees. By telling authentic stories that emphasized community well-being, environmental stewardship, and personal growth, we not only elevated the Park Districts reputation but also achieved a 115% increase in job applications. The campaign’s strategic use of targeted social media platforms and collaborative partnerships ensured diverse and inclusive outreach, reflecting our commitment to equity and accessibility. Measurable results included enhanced community engagement, rapid recruitment of essential staff, and strengthened community identity. This campaign exemplifies excellence in marketing and communications, significantly contributing to the vitality and sustainability of our parks and community.

To increase the revenue-generating potential of the municipally owned and operated Ingalls Event Center, the City of Norco launched www.ingallseventcenter.com in November 2023. It was well-known that the 80-acre facility, which evolved from a park to an event center over time, suffered from a lack of brand presence, clear brand identity, and digital footprint. To address these challenges, Norco created a dedicated website to provide an engaging, attractive, and on brand customer experience and introduction to the event center and its collection of versatile venues. It’s not every day that you see a small city launch a brand or website in the hospitality/tourism industry, let alone for a world-class event center that can host rodeos and livestock shows to weddings and conferences. Norco’s brand and website launch was a large undertaking, but this investment will ultimately differentiate Ingalls Event Center from municipal and private competitors and support future growth and revenue generation.

The award-winning marketing campaign developed by the City of Santa Maria was designed to support and promote the Santa Maria Outdoor Recreation Experience (SMORE) Grant that the city received from the California Department of Parks and Recreation Outdoor Equity Grant. The purpose of the grant is to encourage families to get back into the outdoors and resume more active lifestyles after the pandemic kept people isolated and indoors. Thanks to the innovative and comprehensive marketing strategies utilized, the City of Santa Maria exceeded attendance quotas for each age category and is now looking for other funding to keep the program going after this grant cycle has ended. The SMORE Grant programs have been one of the most well attended series of events ever! The success highlights a strong effort with the program staff, parks division employees, marketing staff and managers! Obviously, many people are having SMORE fun in Santa Maria!

The City of Calabasas’s Premier Recreation Brochure reflects our dedication to building a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive
community. Developed collaboratively with input from the Parks, Recreation, and Education Commission, local businesses, and
residents, the brochure highlights the City’s premier programs, classes, and events that promote health, wellness, and social
connections. By incorporating the City’s Red-tail Hawk logo—a symbol of resilience and local heritage—and printing on recycled
materials, the brochure reinforces both community pride and environmental responsibility. Since its launch, the brochure has received high praise for its engaging design and ease of use, leading to increased participation across all age groups. This cherished community asset aligns with Calabasas’s values of environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and exceptional service, supporting our vision of a well-connected and thriving city. The Premier Recreation Brochure stands as a model for how thoughtful design and collaboration can enhance community engagement and quality of life.

The City of Ventura’s Parks & Recreation Spring 2024 Activity Guide exemplifies excellence in community engagement and inclusivity. This resource combines traditional print and interactive digital formats to connect residents with affordable,
diverse programs promoting health, wellness, and lifelong learning. It's a crucial tool in providing residents with resources, health and well-being opportunities, City news and events, and generating department revenue through program enrollment.
Distributed to over 47,000 homes within the City, the Guide reaches every household via mail, and its virtual format makes it
easily accessible to the greater community. Internal collaboration across City departments and external collaboration among community partners, sponsors, and program instructors, provides a diverse offering of programs and equitable access to Ventura’s parks, cultural sites, and recreational opportunities. With measurable success in increased viewership and scholarships awarded, the guide reflects the Parks & Recreation department’s commitment to providing inclusive, safe, and affordable opportunities for all!

The Fontana Activities Brochure is many Fontana residents’ primary source of information to plan their family’s lifelong learning opportunities, outings, and receive information regarding public safety, environmental workshops, and library activities. The tri annual publication provides connection to the community and fosters a sense of belonging for Fontana residents. For both new and old, the Fontana Activities brochure gives a glimpse into all the things that make Fontana the premiere location to live, work, and play. The Fontana Activities Brochure holds a mirror to the community and hopes to show a reflection that is diverse, inclusive, engaging, and active. Fontana residents clamor over the brochure and actively seek out receiving their copies and even reviewing and downloading additional copies online. The Fontana Activities Brochure is a physical embodiment of Fontana’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents by ensuring they feel connected, valued, and supported in their community.