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Service
is Our Business
Service is at the foundation
of our very existence. In fact, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District
has provided services for members of the community for 53 years.
Who
We Are
The District
was established in 1951 by citizens who desired recreational opportunities
and park facilities in their community. Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park
District serves over 40,000 people within the community, an area about 20%
larger than of the City of Pleasant Hill. There are approximately 100,000+
persons who participate in programs, visit District facilities, or volunteer
on an annual basis.
Today, the District includes
over 269 acres of park land including 11 park sites, three pools, two community
center facilities, a senior center complex, a cultural center, an historic
site, trails, and open space areas. During the year the District offers over
2,300 enrichment classes, programs, activities, and sponsors numerous clubs
and organizations.
What
We Do
Our Mission is:
- To serve the diverse
recreational needs of individuals and families
- To enrich the quality
of life for all residents
- To provide park facilities,
open space, programs and activities
How
We Operate
The
District is governed by the Public Resources Code of the State of California
and operates as a Special District, an independent governmental agency separate
from the City of Pleasant Hill.
The Board of Directors
establishes policy for the District. The Board is a body of five members
elected by citizens of the District. Each Board Member serves a four-year
term and elections are staggered every two years. Contact
Info>>>
Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park
District is managed by Bob Berggren, General Manager. Under the general manager
is one superintendent, six supervisors and one network administrator who
manage the day-to-day operations for Parks, Programs, Sports, Aquatics, Senior
Citizens Activities, Information Systems, and Accounting. Contact
Info>>>
Service
IS our Business
Think about it! Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District really does provide
benefits to the community. Consider the 11 parks that you might walk or drive
by almost every day and how they add beauty to our community. And that’s
just the beginning!
Preschool Programs offer
service to busy families and enrich the lives of numerous youngsters each
year.
Youth and Teens benefit
from sports leagues, classes, theatre, trips, clubs, events, and volunteer
projects.
The Teen Council involves
students from all local high schools.
Adults are encouraged by
District programs to learn a new skill, follow a passion for the arts, enhance
a career, get some exercise, or get involved with a club or organization.
Seniors can take advantage
of a wide range of programs from health services, to bridge clubs, to Ballroom
dancing, and hiking.
Swimmers and Sports Enthusiasts
have a choice of activities to challenge them.
Businesses benefit from
District programs because recreation has been proven to enhance health and
worker productivity. Parks and open space enhance the desirability of locations,
stimulate tourism, and contribute to community development.
Pleasant
Hill Recreation & Park District |
Service Area: |
Contra Costa County;
City of Pleasant Hill;
Unincorporated areas of Lafayette and Walnut Creek |
Square Miles: |
9 |
Population: |
40,003 |
Households: |
16,000 |
Land Use: |
Residential with
some light industrial, commercial, housing & recreational parks |
Date of Formation: |
1951 |
Enabling Act: |
Public Resources
Code, Section 5780, Chapter 4, Division 5 |
Governing Body: |
Five Member Board
of Directors. Elected by Citizens of Recreation & Park District.
Each member serves a four-year staggered term. |
Administration Full
Time |
27 |
Staffing: Part time |
82 |
Seasonal |
290 |
District Services: |
Recreation and
Park Services |
Total Budget: |
$5,850,630 |
Primary
Revenue Sources: |
Property Tax: |
33% |
Fees & Charges: |
43% |
Assessment District: |
11% |
State Grants |
8% |
Other: 5% |
5% |
Facts About
Special Districts
-
Special districts
are a form of local government created by a local community to
meet a specific need.
-
Special disctricts
fill voids in city and county services, heighten the level of
services desired by local constituencies, serve single or multiple
functions or extend across county boundaries into rural communities
to tailor services to citizen demand.
-
Nearly 85%
of California's special districts perform a single function,
such as recreation and parks, or others like sewer, water, fire
protection, or cemetary management. Multifunction districts provide
two or more services.
-
There are
approximately 2,300 independent special districts in California.Each
is governed by an independent board of directors elected by the
districts' voters or appointed to a fixed term of office. Dependent
districts are governed by other existing legislative bodies like
a city council or board of supervisors.
Special Districts
are Open, Visible and Accountable to their Constituents
-
Special districts
cannot be formed nor taxes raised in order to pay for their services
without the consent of a majority of voters in their districts.
-
As public
agencies, special districts must comply with the Brown Act, which
means meetings or elections of their governing boards must be
open and announced through public channels such as through newspapers
or flyers or notices delivered to residents.
-
Special districts
are primarily accountable to the voters who elect their boards
of directors and the customers who use their services.
-
Although they
are not functions of the state, the state also provides critical
oversight to special district operations. Special districts must
submit annual financial reports to the State Controller and must
also follow state laws pertaining to public meetings, bonded
debt, record keeping and elections.
Districts of Distinction, 2010 – First-ever Award by Special District Leadership Foundation
In March 2010, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District was the first Recreation & Park District ever to receive the “District of Distinction” accreditation by the Special District Leadership Foundation. The accreditation, which is one of the most prestigious local government awards in California, recognizes the District's commitment to good governance as well as ethical and sound operating practices.
Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District successfully met a list of requirements involving policies, procedures, continued education, and audit standards to receive accreditation. The Special District Leadership Foundation, a collaborative effort of eight special district organizations, developed the District of Distinction program to help special districts demonstrate to their communities, the media, and legislators their commitment to operate in a sound and responsible manner as providers of essential public services.
Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District, which has been operating since 1951, serves over 40,000 people within the community, an area about 20% larger than of the City of Pleasant Hill. The District offers over 2,300 enrichment classes, programs, activities, and sponsors numerous clubs and organizations Annually more than 100,000 persons participate in programs, visit District facilities, or volunteer on an annual basis. The District includes over 269 acres of park land including 11 park sites, three pools, two community center facilities, a senior center complex, a cultural center, an historic site, trails, and open space areas.
The Board of Directors is made up of five elected officials who are elected by District residents to serve four-year terms. All Board members and the General Manager have completed education in governance and the ethics compliance training. Board members also serve on Board committees, work with the staff, and interact with the community. An appointed ex-officio member from a high school located within the District also serves on the Board.
The District has provided documentation on three years of clean audits, their policies and procedures, and current operating budget to the SDLF Audit Review Committee for review and approval. By doing this, the District has demonstrated to the communities, media, and its legislators, its commitment to operate in a sound, responsible manner.
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