Dear CARPD Members and residents of California,

This month, I attended McFarland’s 2nd Annual Grape Festival and 5K run. The event demonstrated the importance of parks within the communities we collectively serve. Blanco Park gave the city’s staff a welcoming venue and was chosen to also honor Coach Jim White, whose leadership and dedication of the McFarland High School cross-country team inspired the true story portrayed in McFarland, USA. The Grape Festival showed how parks can honor a community’s history, strengthen civic pride, and bring people together. “Our parks are more than just green spaces; they are canvases upon which we shape the future of our neighborhoods,” said Briana DeLeon (McFarland’s Community Development Director). They serve as gateways to building a true sense of community; a place to walk the dog, meet a new neighbor, and enjoy local festivals and activities.

When we invest in our parks, we invest in the social fabric that connects us all. To ensure these spaces remain sustainable and well governed, professional development remains a cornerstone of CARPD’s mission. CAPRI is currently offering a free four-week webinar series designed to further educate our membership and safeguard the public funds that make these community assets possible.

Furthermore, CARPD is proud to be part of a coalition advocating for public entity tort reform within the state, helping ensure that our agencies can continue to serve the public safely and effectively.

Together, we are building more than just parks; we are building the foundation for a stronger, more connected society.

Best Regards, 

Jesus G. Perez

President, California Association of Recreation and Park Districts

A resident of Lamont, CA and Chairman of Bear Mountain Recreation and Park District