Message from Desert Recreation District:
Indio, CA (October 17, 2017) – The California Special Districts Association (CSDA) recognizes individuals and districts every year for exceptional public outreach, leadership, and innovations. This year, CSDA presented Desert Recreation District (DRD) with the Innovative Program of the Year award in the large district category. DRD was chosen for the Adaptive/Therapeutic Recreation Programming that serves those with disabilities and can have significant rehabilitative and physical influences. Improving mobility, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, achieving greater independence, and the satisfaction that comes with accomplishing a goal are just a few of the potential benefits people may experience when participating in Adaptive/Therapeutic Sports and Recreation activities.
Desert Recreation District is committed to providing sports and recreation access to those with disabilities. Through partnerships with organizations focused on providing classes, activities and events for people with various disabilities, the Adaptive/Therapeutic Sports and Recreation programs strive to make fitness accessible to everyone, regardless of physical or learning challenges. Adaptive programs are available at various locations throughout the Coachella Valley; to learn more about the classes offered, please visit MyRecreationDistrict.com and click the Adaptive Sports & Recreation tab.
In the past year, equipment for Adaptive programming was purchased thanks to funds raised through the Desert Recreation Foundation (the Foundation). The Foundation is the fundraising arm of Desert Recreation District, and works behind the scenes to ensure that all residents in the Coachella Valley have access to quality recreational resources, facilities, parks and programs that serve today’s needs and those for generations to come. The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds and garner support to purchase, develop, enhance, preserve, promote and expand the Coachella Valley’s recreational activities, programs, parks, properties and facilities.
The Innovative Program of the Year award was presented on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at the 2017 CSDA Annual Conference and Exhibitor Showcase in Monterey, California. Inside the De Anza Ballroom at the Portola Hotel, DRD Board of Director member Rudy Gutierrez accepted the award. The CSDA Annual Awards Luncheon was sponsored by: CSDA, CSDA Finance Corporation, and the Special District Leadership Foundation.
To learn more about this award-winning program, view Determination Over Disability at https://youtu.be/rddU642cuc8 For more information, contact Desert Recreation District at 760-347-3484 or MyRecreationDistrict.com.
About Desert Recreation District Desert Recreation District (DRD) is the largest park and recreation district in California, covering over 1,800 square miles and serving more than 385,000 residents throughout the greater Coachella Valley. DRD manages, maintains and assists in maintaining over 30 parks and recreation facilities; creates and delivers quality programs, services and classes; and, facilitates leisure opportunities through partnerships – this community collaborative approach allows us to provide barrier-free and safe recreational activities. DRD strives to ensure the public receives personal benefits such as physical fitness, relaxation and revitalization; social benefits in the form of stronger and healthier families and enriching the lives for persons with disabilities, and economic benefits through more productive and healthier citizens and increased tourism.