Parks investment pays off

What a happy day! Headlines: Millions to be spent on Fresno’s parks.

I retired as recreation manager of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department nearly five years ago. The last project before my departure was to facilitate the transition of programs and maintenance of neighborhood centers to several nonprofit groups in Fresno. That was a heartbreaking task, but the department had to “take the hit” during those difficult budget years.

The thought by many in our department was that once gone, the facilities, programs and maintenance would never return.

Thanks to Mayor Ashley Swearengin, our city manager, Bruce Rudd, and the Fresno City Council for making the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department a priority. Health and wellness of mind, body and spirit is promoted at our parks and centers. This investment will pay off.

Fresno

This story was originally published May 18, 2015 at 12:29 PM with the headline "Parks investment pays off."