Title
Special Recognition - Washington Recreation & Park Association Citizen Citation of Merit Award for James Reddick
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Recognize James Reddick’s 2018 Citizen Citation of Merit Award.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize James Reddick’s 2018 Citizen Citation of Merit Award.
Staff Contact:
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8462
Presenter(s):
Paul Simmons, Director
Background and Analysis:
The Citation of Merit Award recognizes individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the field of parks and recreation. The Citation of Merit Award includes four award categories: Citizen, Legislative, Organization, and Professional.
Our very own James Reddick was recognized with the 2018 Citizen Citation of Merit. Below is an excerpt from his nomination:
“In 1995, James Reddick created the Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture (PARC) Foundation of Thurston County. His vision was to preserve vital green spaces, expand and support art and artists in our community, ensure all children have free access to recreational opportunities, and expand the rich cultural diversity that is valued in Thurston County.
Over the last 23 years, the PARC Foundation has been instrumental in raising over $600,000 to support parks, arts, and recreation throughout Thurston County. This impressive accomplishment occurred through the relentless pursuit of grants and philanthropic donations; and hosting a variety of community events that served as fundraisers.
As a result of this work, local agencies have provided hundreds of recreation scholarships to individuals with disabilities and low-income families. Partnerships with the former Olympia-based business Alpine Experience, resulted in over $50,000 to support youth and outdoor activities. The PARC foundation has played a key role in developing a partnership with REI that has resulted in $83,000 over six years to support Olympia trail development and volunteerism. James has also come to the rescue of programs that have suffered dramatic budget reductions such as the Tenino Quarry Pool and Thurston County Specialized Recreation.
On behalf of all the local Parks & Recreation Departments, we are thrilled to recognize James for all that he has accomplished on our behalf.”
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
N/A
Financial Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
None