Parks and Rec

In Search of a Parks Champion

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Who doesn’t love parks? Whether you appreciate their beauty and serenity; or love to play, exercise or snooze in the sun, parks provide an escape from daily worries and give us a chance to enjoy the outdoors.

Parks do a lot for us – but do you know anyone who does a lot for parks? Or recreation for that matter! The County is in search of Parks and Recreation Champions and it needs your help to nominate them. 

County Parks and Recreation is looking for people who make a real difference. Maybe you know a volunteer sports coach or swim guard, someone who picks up litter along trails, someone who is helping inner city kids discover parks outside of their neighborhood, or a leader in creating small pocket parks around town. Perhaps you know a docent, someone who teaches workshops on nature, or a mover and shaker in a park district who deserves to be recognized. These are folks who keep our parks clean, safe, fun and rewarding. Consider nominating any one of these people to be a Parks and Recreation Champion.  

To qualify, nominees must be residents who volunteer their time toward improving parks and recreation in San Diego County. They are not restricted to parks within the County’s parks system; all 18 cities within the San Diego County region are included.

If you know someone who meets the qualifications, fill out a nomination form before midnight on Friday, May 27. County Parks and Recreation will screen the candidates to make sure they meet the basic criteria. An expert panel will identify the top finalists. Then you and other members of the public can vote via an online survey starting Monday, June 6 through Friday, July 1 for a final decision on who will be the 2016 Parks and Recreation Champions.

The winner and two runners-up will be announced the week of July 18, during National Parks and Recreation Month. The champion will be named at an awards ceremony and receive two nights of free camping in a cabin at one of six San Diego County campgrounds. 

Tracy DeFore is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact