2024 CARPD Awards of Distinction

Artistic banners, text "2024 CARPD Conference Awards of Distinction," and a trophy icon.

The Awards of Distinction winners were announced at the CARPD Conference on May 23, 2024, in Santa Rosa, CA. Thank you to all that took the time to send in their nominations. It was another competitive year! Congrats!

District Awards

Outstanding New Facility:

Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District - Friendship Field

Outstanding Renovated Facility (Large District):

East Bay Regional Park District - Roberts Pool Complex

Outstanding Renovated Facility (Small District):

Ambrose Recreation and Park District - Anuta Park

Outstanding Activity/Program/Special Event:

El Dorado Hill Community Services District - Kids TRY-athalon: Swim, Bike, Run/Roll

Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District - OLDlympics

Outstanding Innovation:

Jurupa Community Services District - Students & Seniors

Individual Awards

Outstanding District Employee:

Keri Price - Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District

Outstanding General Manager:

Patrick Larkin - Cordova Recreation and Park District

Outstanding Board Member:

David Furst - Livermore Area Recreation and Park District

Jim Meredith Award of Excellence:

Lindsay Woods

Community Awards

Outstanding Community Organization/Partner:

Rosemont Community Foundation - supporting Cordova Recreation and Park District

Outstanding Volunteer:

Jeremy Cullifer - Arden Manor Recreation and Park District

Priscilla O'Meara - East Bay Regional Park District

Waldo Gabaldon - Jurupa Community Services District

Aruna Pandurangan - Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District

Eva Arambula - Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District

CARPD Community Landmark:

Hayward Area Recreation and Park District - Japanese Gardens

2024 CARPD President's Award

The 2024 CARPD President’s Award is a celebration of excellence in the field of recreation and park management. This year’s distinguished recipient is the Conejo Recreation and Park District, recognized for their exceptional contribution through the Healing Garden at Conejo Creek North Park. The Healing Garden proves that Parks and Recreation can be so much more than just fun and games. The Healing Garden stands as a testament to resilience, compassion, and community spirit. Conceived in the wake of the tragic Borderline shooting incident on November 7, 2018, where 12 lives were lost and 248 survivors endured, this serene oasis serves as a space for contemplation, meditation, and prayer. It symbolizes hope, healing, and unity—a place where grief transforms into solace, and where the strength of the human spirit prevails. The Healing Garden at Conejo Creek North Park exemplifies the power of collaboration, compassion, and resilience.

Congratulations to the Conejo Recreation and Park District for this remarkable achievement!

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Outstanding Renovated Facility (Small District) Ambrose Recreation and Park District - Anuta Park

Two men smiling, one holding an award, in front of a banner.

Outstanding Activity/Program/Special Event: El Dorado Hills Community Services District - Kids TRY-Athlon: Swim, Bike, Run/Roll

A man holding an award in front of a CARPD banner.

Outstanding Board Member: David Furst - Livemore Area Recreation and Park District

Three men posing for a photo, one holding an award plaque, with a CARPD banner in the background.

Outstanding General Manager (Large District): Patrick Larkin - Cordova Recreation and Park District

A person holding a plaque, standing in front of a banner for the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts.

Jim Meredith Award of Excellence: Lindsay Woods

Five individuals posing with an award plaque.

Outstanding Community Organization/Partner: Rosemont Community Foundation and the Rosemont Community Poles Project—Cordova Recreation and Park District

Two men smiling, holding an award plaque with a banner for California Association of Recreation and Park Districts.

CARPD Community Landmark: Hayward Area Recreation and Park District - Japanese Gardens

A man presenting at a conference podium with a projected image in the background.

2024 CARPD President's Award - President Brian Danzl

A man in a suit holding an award plaque, standing in front of a banner with "CARPD" and a map of California.

2024 CARPD President's Award: Conejo Recreation and Park District - Healing Garden at Conejo Creek North Park

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