Message From The Director
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Parks and Recreation remains dedicated to our mission of "Creating Community" through a high caliber Parks and Recreation system.
Last Updated:
11/18/2010Yuma Parks and Recreation: Creating Community through People, Parks, and Programs
Parks and Recreation remains dedicated to our mission of "Creating Community" through a high caliber Parks and Recreation system. Our top notch team of professionals continues to work hard to provide the quality programs, activities, and facilities that we are known for and that the public enjoys. Like many organizations we are experiencing reduced budget and staffing levels, but with continued community collaboration and participation Parks and Recreation can be a key driver in promoting economic development, enhancing the environment, and facilitating healthy lifestyles. On behalf of Parks and Recreation, I'd like to thank the community for the opportunity to serve you, and share with you a number of positive achievements completed over the past year due to your support:
- Received the prestigious Arizona Parks and Recreation Association's "Outstanding Facility Award" for the Valley Aquatic Center
- Hosted the National Men's 16" Softball Tournament for the Amateur Softball Association Class "A" Division
- Completed renovation of eight Desert Sun Tennis Courts
- Achieved Tree City USA designation for third year in a row and worked with Community Tree Board on Arbor Day and Tree & Landscape Expo events
- Achieved the Playful City USA designation for the fourth year in the row
- Collaborated with the Sunrise Optimist Club of Yuma, Cibola High School Construction Crew, and community volunteers to make improvements to Sunrise Optimist Park: Disc golf baskets, enhanced exercise stations, and the construction of a four square and hopscotch play area
- Created and offered "Grow Smart Summer Camp" to address the growing childhood obesity issue in our community with funding provided by Yuma Regional Medical Center Foundation, Yuma Community Foundation, and Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Worked with Parks to implement a new scoring system at the athletic fields to save on labor costs
- Partnered with Yuma Private Industry Council (YPIC) on the summer mural program and created a memorable historic mural at the Yuma Civic Center entrance utilizing the YPIC student team
- Created additional opportunities for the popular "Youth Imagination Theater" program by offering the program all year long with grant support from Yuma Community Foundation
- Utilized impact fees to provide additional arts space nearby the Yuma Art Center by acquiring 270 S. Main which is currently being rented by the "Village Art Gallery"
- Received a grant from APS to enhance the fence around the solar garden at West Wetlands Park and collaborated with the Arizona Western College Welding Program to create artistic panels for the fence
- Received an operating support grant from Arizona Commission on the Arts
- Created a summer incentive program to reward local golfers that played frequently in the hotter summer months with a discount in the winter months
Thanks Yuma for your continued support! If you have comments or suggestions for ways we can better meet your recreational needs, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Becky Chavez
Director, Yuma Parks and Recreation
About Becky Chavez
Becky Chavez is the Director of the Yuma Parks and Recreation Department. A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Becky began her career at Yuma Parks and Recreation in 1991. She promoted to Recreation Supervisor and later to the Arts and Culture Program Manager before being asked to accept the position of Assistant Director in 2001. Becky became the Parks and Recreation Director on May 9, 2007. She is involved in every aspect of the Department and welcomes the important projects facing Yuma Parks and Recreation in the future. Becky is a Certified Public Manager and a graduate of the Arizona State University Institute for Public Executives.
