To: RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
From: KELLY ORTA, DEPUTY COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
TITLE
title
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PROGRAM
end
BACKGROUND
In March 2023, the Recreation and Parks Commission (Commission) approved the proposed Volunteer and Employee Acknowledgement Program that was developed and presented by the Volunteer Acknowledgement Program Subcommittee (Subcommittee). This program was developed to identify and celebrate those whose volunteer service has positively impacted the City's parks and greenspaces. Included as an attachment is the Program's guidelines and information document, which outlines the various award categories, requirements for eligibility, the review and selection process, and recognition opportunities.
The acknowledgement program has been in effect for over a year. In that time, staff and the Subcommittee have identified a number of updates that, if approved, will make the program guidelines clearer that the volunteer service must positively impact the City's parks, greenspaces, and recreation programs; further assists the Commission in its review of applications and the Subcommittee's recommendations; and removes employees from the program following a number of questions regarding eligibility verification.
Parks, Greenspaces and Recreational Activities
The original intent behind the development of this program was to acknowledge volunteer service throughout the City in ways that positively impact the City's parks, greenspaces and recreational activities. These key areas fall within the purview of the Commission and provide focused parameters for reviewing an individual or organization's volunteer service for eligibility. While the original program guidelines currently note this requirement, it is not explicit and has led to confusion. The redlined changes emphasize this requirement and eligibility guideline in multiple places.
S...
Click here for full text