"July is Parks and Recreation Month, Participate and Celebrate!"

On July 4th, thousands of City of Watsonville and area residents came together, participated and celebrated as they lined Main Street to enjoy the festive and colorful 100 parade entries. The Spirit of Watsonville Independence Parade is a wonderful community tradition that is organized by the dedicated volunteers and staff of the Parks and Community Services Department. Well, with parks and recreation, or in this case, parks and community services, there is more than meets the eye in regards to the services provided to the community.

The recognition of July as Parks and Recreation Month provides an opportunity to outline a broader view of the role that parks and recreation services play in the Watsonville community. The public parks, recreation programs and community services are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for millions of residents in communities throughout the world as is the case here in Watsonville. Parks, recreation, neighborhood programs and open space are not mere expenditures, but an investment in the future of individuals, as well as the continued attractiveness and viability of the City.

What does the Parks and Community Services Department offer? While it is difficult to categorize services into just a few general areas of benefit to the public, as they are intricately interconnected, there are three areas that come to mind; social, economic and environment.

Social. After-school programs at 5 recreation facilities and 3 computer centers provide children, youth and adults with free opportunities for personal development, enrichment and socialization in a safe environment. These programs and the relationships youth establish with both recreation staff and volunteers serve as positive alternatives to gang involvement and deterrents to other negative influences. Nurturing environments, where youth can achieve, be recognized, express themselves creatively, engage in physical activity and interact socially, provide the best settings for them to build essential skills, knowledge and aptitudes. Trips and classes for youth and adults provide opportunities for them to experience new things and enjoy the company of others. Itty Bitty, youth and adult sports leagues offer camaraderie, physical activity and skill development. Civic involvement is made possible through community and neighborhood meetings, neighborhood clean-ups and other special events. The neighborhood watch program supports neighbors and volunteers to provide "eyes on" to enhance safety.

Among our most important goals is to provide individuals of all ages the opportunities, programs and support to promote a healthier lifestyle, to play, relax, experience something new, learn, make positive connections with others and get involved in their neighborhoods and greater community.

Strengthening ties among neighbors and helping them work together towards common goals or tackling conflicts is facilitated by our Neighborhood Mediation Program and Conflict Management, Tools and skills workshops.

Through our volunteer program individuals can serve as a youth sports coach, help out at a special event, teach a recreation class, be a tutor or serve as a mentor in a recreation program. Dedicated Parks and Community Services staff and volunteers, in partnership with other community organizations, are vital to promoting a healthier community. There are many opportunities for individuals to get involved, share their skills and make a difference for someone else, a neighborhood or the community as a whole.

Economic. The 24 City pubic parks, recreation programs and facilities promote economic development by improving the quality of life in the City and helping attract businesses and residents. The well-maintained parks, open spaces, and recreation amenities enhance livability and increase property values. There are also special events such as the Veteran's Day Event, 4th of July Parade, and upcoming Watsonville Strawberry Festival on August 1 & 2 in downtown that promotes our community, local businesses and enhance the identity and appeal of the city. Employment opportunities are provided to youth and adults throughout the year and seasonally through our parks, neighborhood services, summer aquatics programs, sports leagues and recreation programs.

Environment. The City's sustainability is enhanced by the provision of accessible parks and open space. Park and street trees remove carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, filter out pollution and conserve energy. The Commemorative Tree and Bench program serves to provide residents with a meaningful and memorable way to honor a loved one while enhancing the urban forest. Connecting youth to the environment and natural resources through our Get Out Get Fit Camp, Together in Peace Program Mi Tierra Camp, camping trips, field trips and participation in the Monterey Aquarium's Merito Program increases awareness and stewardship of our local and regional natural resources.

Parks and Community Services is a resource available to all community residents. Other current Department initiatives underway are:

• Update of the Park Master Plan
• Renovation of Callaghan Park and Children's Playgrounds
• Census 2010 Count Community Awareness Campaign
• Get Out, Get Fit Camp, a youth health and obesity prevention program funded by the Pajaro Valley Health Trust