With the warm weather and school out of session, many community member and families have been spending their summer days at local community parks, such as Columbia Park, where a swimming pool and water area reside, and Crane Park, where residents can play basketball, tennis, horse shoe, or enjoy the picnic areas.
Mayor John Lazar and the City Council proclaimed July 2012 as Parks and Recreation month at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, followed by a brief presentation from Parks and Recreation Director Allison Van Guilder.
“Parks are important for our kids today and as they grow,” stated Van Guilder. “They help create healthy habits and make life better by providing a safe outdoor space to play.”
Van Guilder also stressed the importance of the Recreation Programs provided by the City of Turlock, such as the After School Programs, Youth League Sports, Dance Classes, and much more. Part of the campaign that the Parks and Recreation Department will be launching focuses on how these Recreation Programs make it easy for children to stay healthy.
The campaign, Parks Make Life Better, focuses on core concepts such as Play, Nature, Exercise, Positive Space, Gathering Places, and the concept of creating healthy habits in children that will last a lifetime.
“We are fortunate to live in a community with numerous parks and open spaces,” stated Van Guilder. “Our staff is so dedicated to maintaining these spaces, and we’re proud to deliver those amenities to the community.”
Barney Gordon, the Parks and Recreation Commission Chair, accepted the proclamation from Mayor John Lazar at Tuesday’s meeting.
“There are a few key factors people look to when moving to a community,” stated Gordon. “and certainly the quality of parks and open spaces is one of them.”
Gordon also thanked the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department for their hard work and dedication to maintaining the quality of the parks and recreation programs around the City.
“They’re all masters at their craft, and their hearts are in the right place,” stated Gordon. “I’m confident that the campaign that they’re going to launch will be quite successful.”
