West Sacramento City Council members and Mayor Martha Guererro meet with Washington Unified School District Board Member Sarah Kirby-Gonzalez, who handed over a $30,000 donation to the Parks and Recreation Department on behalf of West Sac Play. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - In a day and age when months of the year are titled countless names of the month, something really has to set July apart to be noticed.

Let's start with $30,000.

Unlike usual monthly proclamations handed over in town hall, West Sacramento's July 2024 Parks Make Life Better decree was given at Bridgeway Island Park under the bright sun and complimented by a $30,000 donation from West Sac Play.

"This year's theme is 'Where You Belong,' which celebrates the Parks and Recreation industry's ability and commitment to provide safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces that are essential for residents to thrive, therefore uplifting their community," said Parks and Recreation Director Kate Smith.

After thanking the parks staff, West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guererro pointed out the grounds crew "who work tirelessly in the hot sun during the summer and brave the rainy weather in the winter, taking care of our parks, sports fields, open spaces and trails."

"Your commitment ensures that our community has beautiful and well-maintained spaces to enjoy year-round," Guererro said before thanking staff exercise trainers, lifeguards and coaches whose service keeps residents active, healthy and engaged.

The mayor noted in the proclamation that the parks department "creates memorable experiences" in various ways, including youth and adult sports, after-school programs, senior activity centers and free community events.  

"Parks and Recreation supports human development and endless learning opportunities that foster social, intellectual, physical and emotional growth in people of all ages and abilities, including employing over 150 local youth annually as lifeguards and interns, teen heroes and camp leaders," Guererro said.

Washington Unified School District Board Member Sarah Kirby-Gonzalez handed over the enlarged check for the park system, which maintains more than 39 parks totaling more than 200 acres, more than 52 miles of trails and an urban forest of 30,000 trees.

"Thank you, Sarah," Smith said, smiling wide. "With this year's generous contribution, we will purchase five new and improved hydration stations to replace the previous water fountains that have reached the end of their usefulness."

Smith detailed the fountains, noting each has sanitary recessed spouts, high/low accessibility options requiring less than five pounds of pressure to operate and water bottle filling spigots.

"Plus, we will be adding a dog bowl so that your furry friends can also stay hydrated while they enjoy the park with your family," Smith said.

This is not the first time that West Sac Play has invested in the parks department. A previous donation provided shade coverings at some city parks.

"Today, we are also excited to celebrate our continued partnership with West Sac Play that has spanned over the last 10 years," Smith said. "In all, West Sac Play has donated more than $80,000 and has been instrumental in supporting our parks department and ensuring safe and inclusive spaces for our residents."