The future of parks and recreation is brighter than ever

Provided.

Corey with his family at the All-American 5K on the 4th of July.

As the summer begins to wind down on another eventful season in Tehachapi, I'm filled with a sense of enthusiasm and positivity I've never quite had before.

Tehachapi's parks and recreation landscape is evolving, and it's clear that the future is brighter than ever. This past summer, TVRPD partnered with a number of local agencies that have not only strengthened our community but also saw the results of collaborative efforts in parks and recreation.

As part of Parks & Recreation Month in July, we joined forces with the Golden Hills Community Services District and the City of Tehachapi to deliver over 20 free programs and events that reached more residents than ever before. Together, we created spaces where families could gather, where children could play and where the community could connect. From multiple Movies in the Parks, Nature Walks, Family Dodgeball Night, a Pickleball Tournament and a Roller Rink Party, these partnerships showed the power of working together.

This summer, we witnessed increased participation at our events, especially in our All-American 5K with over 300 participants. We saw greater community enjoyment and enthusiasm to get outside. These positive results would not have been possible without partnership.

Our local success is mirrored by national trends, as reported by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). According to the NRPA's 2023 Engagement With Parks Report, almost 90% of U.S. residents consider parks and recreation essential services, with a growing emphasis on the role these spaces play in physical and mental well-being. The report also highlights that 80% of Americans visited a local park or recreation facility within the past year, a statistic that surely reflects what we've seen in Tehachapi.

NRPA's research also speaks to an increase in the public's desire for open space, trails and recreation programs. This is especially true in smaller communities like ours, where parks serve as prominent places for social interaction, health and wellness. The data also shows that communities with strong parks and recreation programs report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction, a testament to the importance of our work here in Tehachapi.

It's clear that the future of parks and recreation in Tehachapi is bright. I am proud and impressed by GHCSD's General Manager Chris Carlson and his Board of Directors for their leadership and future plans for the Golden Hills Nature Park. The vision of planned amenities promises to bring countless recreational opportunities to not only Golden Hills residents, but to the region.

As we move forward, my goal is to expand collaborative efforts with our partners, continuously exploring new ways to engage with our community. Whether through expanded programming, adding facilities or expanded outreach, TVRPD is committed to inclusion, health and wellness. The future is bright, and I'm excited to see what we can accomplish together.

I encourage everyone in the Tehachapi community to get involved, whether by attending our events, volunteering your time or simply enjoying the beautiful parks we are fortunate to have. Together, we can have a future where our parks and recreation services are not just good, but excellent.

The future of parks and recreation is truly brighter than ever, and it's a privilege to be a part of it.

– Corey Torres is the District Manager of Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District.