“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” – Nelson Henderson

As I write this message as your outgoing CARPD President, and prepare to retire, this sentiment rings incredibly true. First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to Matthew Duarte, the dedicated CARPD staff and my fellow Board Members. Serving and advocating alongside you has been a privilege of a lifetime – thank you for mentoring me.

Looking back, my greatest takeaway is not the acreage acquired or facilities built—but rather the relationships we have been fortunate to cultivate. We are fundamentally in the business of connection; and, the bonds we build with residents, staff, board members, and our peers is what makes our efforts so impactful.

Our profession is experiencing a critical transition. With a new generational shift sweeping over our agencies, we must actively invest in mentoring our emerging professionals by prioritizing succession planning and ensuring that institutional knowledge is preserved. Most importantly, we need to impart to the next generation that nurturing relationships and building consensus are just as vital as mastering daily operations.

While my official role is changing, my passion for recreation and parks remains as strong as ever. My hope is to continue to be a resource to the parks community and my peers. I look forward to opportunities to stay actively involved, learn and help navigate complex park matters, problem-solve, and continue to support the vital work being done throughout California.

Thank you for the trust you have placed in me as your CARPD President. It has been a privilege to advocate for, learn from, and grow alongside all of you. Let us continue building those essential relationships and prepare our next generation of leaders. I am looking forward to the sharing of ideas and celebrating our successes at the 2026 CARPD Conference in Monterey next month!

Dean Wetter

General Manager, Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District

CARPD Board President