2 • Parks, Open Space & Cultural Services Happy Spring! I would like to introduce myself as the new Parks Superintendent in charge of our Park Maintenance section. I have worked for the Parks Department for a little over 5 years and am excited for my new role in managing County Park Maintenance as I’ve enjoyed supervising Park Maintenance work throughout my tenure with County Parks so far. I can’t believe the holidays are right around the corner and then the coming new year! I would like to highlight the Virtual Arts & Craft Fair we are continuing to provide online while the Simpkins Family Swim Center continues to be under construction for the addition of the Live Oak Library Annex – thank you for your patience and construction is slated to conclude in spring of 2023. We’re also looking forward to some exciting changes this year, with the new build of the Live Oak Library Annex and many park updates and renovations on the horizon, especially as we focus on renovating our amazing athletic fields at each of our regional parks during the winter season. As we move into 2023, please be aware of our efforts and anticipated community meetings regarding our efforts to update the Santa Cruz County Parks Strategic Plan. We are at year 5 of the plan and look forward to working with stakeholders and community members on updating the plan to see where we can focus on during the concluding 5 years of these efforts. We are also working towards hiring new leadership in Park Maintenance and working towards completing projects included in our deferred maintenance plan to continue to enhance and update Santa Cruz County Parks for all of our community members. As we approach the end of 2022, I’d like to thank. County Park Friends and all the way that they support our department and fundraising endeavors throughout the county to enhance county parks and the available programming provided to the community. I’d also like to recognize the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Santa Cruz County for their huge financial support and fundraising efforts towards the endeavors at Willowbrook County Park in Honor of Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller – the park improvements there will hopefully serve the time and service that Sgt. Gutzwiller provided while he worked for the County Sheriff’s office. Finally, I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the staff at County Parks, and especially Park Maintenance staff. Without the work that staff provide to the community every single day, we would not be able to provide the amazing programs, services, and outdoor spaces that we currently do, and I am eternally grateful for each and every one of them. Thank you and I am looking forward to many amazing things to come for Santa Cruz County Parks in 2023! Jesse Williams FROM THE PARKS MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENT Jesse Williams
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