District hopes community volunteers will help promote recreation

Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District is confident that even during these tough economic times, recreation is an aspect of life that people of all ages benefit from.
The benefits are both physical and emotional, and recreation is worth sustaining in the community. The new normal for special districts is about bringing community together and achieving community involvement to reach future goals.
The department is located behind the fire station in Boulder Creek and is responsible for the Recreation Hall Facility, Junction Park, Barbara Day Park and newly renovated Garrahan Park.
Enthusiastic Boulder Creek community members encourage district staff and board members in seeking new recreation programs and local events.
The new year brings about a number of exciting programs, which can be found at the district’s website, www.bcrpd.org. Among these programs are a number of new events this spring: park flea markets, an April Fool’s Day parade, the annual Easter egg hunt on April 7, a music and art festival on May 19 and Memorial Day weekend concerts in Junction Park.
For those who wish to be a part of these events, the recreation district has a volunteer group that appeals to both adults and teens to help support the community.
There are other ways to be involved. The Garrahan Park Native Plant Restoration Project consists of the removal of nonnative vegetation from the strip of land between the eastern boundary of Garrahan Park and Highway 9. The objective is to remove the nonnative species and protect the park from invasive weeds. The project also serves as a community demonstration site on how to restore land using nonchemical techniques. Linda Skeff, who created the San Lorenzo Valley Restoration Project in conjunction with the Valley Women’s Club and Santa Cruz County Parks Division, will provide guidance. Contact board member Diane Hamilton at 338-3174 or da*********@ne******.net with questions.
The long-term project the district is working toward concerns a new facility and park project for Boulder Creek. The funding for the proposed project is based on Proposition 84 grant approval. After originally applying in 2010, the district board and staff resubmitted an improved version of the grant application in 2011. The Proposition 84 grant continues to be a highlight of discussion for the Boulder Creek community.
The Proposition 84 grant application can be viewed at www.bcrpd.org.
District staff and board members are eager to hear the results in April but, in the interim, continue to discuss the needs for a new facility and the goals for the future of Boulder Creek recreation.
The board meets the first Wednesday of each month and will next meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 1.