Title
California Parks and Recreation Society District IV Awards (Erin O’Brien, Business Manager)
label
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission be apprised of the Department’s nominations for the California Parks and Recreation Society District IV Awards.
Body
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) District IV will honor unique innovation, and outstanding individuals for their professional and volunteer contributions to the fields of parks, recreation, and human services. The South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department is proud to share our 2023 nominees, scheduled to be honored at the May 9, 2024, awards dinner hosted at South San Francisco’s very own Library | Parks and Recreation Center.
Award of Excellence: South San Francisco Library | Parks and Recreation Center
Professional Merit: Jim Reidy and Ercie Santos
Volunteer & Sponsor Citation Award: Evangelina Portillo
Award of Excellence (Design): South San Francisco Library | Parks and Recreation Center
The 83,000-square-foot Library | Parks and Recreation Center unifies previously disparate City services under one roof and replaces buildings that were outdated, requiring costly repairs. This facility integrates library services, Parks and Recreation programs and events, a Council Chambers and Community Theater, a 1.3-acre community park featuring a 9,000-square-foot nature-inspired playground, and administrative offices. The design of this landmark facility celebrates the symbolic importance of civic engagement within the City of South San Francisco, and creates a safe, welcoming, educational, and inspirational place that supports the needs and well-being of the region’s diverse and growing community.
Professional Merit: Jim Reidy
Jim Reidy has dedicated over thirty years of service to the South San Francisco community. Hired in 1992 as a Recreation Leader in the City's RAPP (Recreation and Parks Program), Jim has continuously made a positive impact on the lives of community members. Renowned for his exceptional customer service skills, Jim warmly welcomes participants of all ages and assists them with their needs. As the face of the Terrabay Recreation Center, he takes immense pride in maintaining the facility to ensure a positive experience for all participants. Jim enthusiastically contributes to various special events hosted by the City, including the Easter Bunny Photo Hop, Concert in the Park, and the Youth Baseball Parade. The South San Francisco community is truly fortunate to have had Jim Reidy as a valued staff member for over three decades.
Professional Merit: Ercie Santos
Ercie Santos, a central figure in South San Francisco's arts scene since 2001, has played a pivotal role in fostering the art community through quarterly exhibits, public installations, supporting young artists in partnership with the school district, and much more. Serving as the lead liaison to the Cultural Arts Commission, Ercie has played a key role in the program's success, overseeing the acquisition of approximately forty permanent artworks and over twenty temporary installations across the city. She was instrumental in crafting the City’s inaugural Public Art Master Plan and continues to represent South San Francisco regionally in various art-focused groups. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ercie's personal life as a world-traveling performing artist with accomplished dance groups adds depth to her commitment to the arts. Her unwavering dedication remains a vital asset to the South San Francisco Cultural Arts Program, poised to thrive with new opportunities under Ercie’s guidance.
Volunteer & Sponsor Citation Award: Evangelina Portillo
Artist Evangelina Portillo, born and raised in South San Francisco, is a cherished community member and dedicated volunteer. Her artwork vividly captures the essence of Mexican culture, particularly through the celebration of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Through her art, Evangelina not only recounts stories of the past and honors loved ones but also shares the rich tapestry of Mexican traditions with the wider Bay Area community, especially her hometown. For over a decade she has generously volunteered her time and talent to the South San Francisco Cultural Arts programs, crafting Dia de los Muertos altars, serving as a guest judge for Day of the Dead Art Exhibits, and even creating and donating hundreds of sugar skulls while leading community workshops. Evangelina's artistic prowess and unwavering commitment to sharing Mexican culture have had a profound impact on the South San Francisco community.
CONCLUSION
We look forward to the CPRS District IV Awards ceremony, where we will recognize these invaluable award recipients and reflect on their outstanding contributions that have enriched our South San Francisco community.