By Denise Clodjeaux — Carson City Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Budge will be the guest speaker at the next Rotary Club of Carson City meeting. Budge will provide an overview of Carson City’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department, including the projects, facilities, programs and services provided to the community.
The public is invited to attend the meeting which takes place Tuesday, March 4, at noon in the Brewery Arts Center’s Grand Ballroom, 449 West King Street in Carson City.
“Living in northern Nevada is all about experiencing the outdoors,” she explains. “Parks and open spaces provide more than a place to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. They also benefit our community’s health, economic, and environmental well-being.” Budge also believes they are an asset to our area’s young people. “Recreation programs, especially for youth, ensure that kids remain active and engaged, improving their physical and mental health and providing for much needed social connection.”
The department manages over 8,000-acres of parks, trails and open space. This includes 3 sports complexes, two shooting facilities, an archery range, Lone Mountain Cemetery, Eagle Valley Golf Course, a radio control airplane park, a disc golf park, historic ranches and buildings, a community center, and a designated off-highway vehicle area.
Budge is excited to share details about on-going and planned projects. “The City is actively reinvesting in Carson City’s park system, with several major construction projects happening at Governor’s Field, Centennial Park, and Mills Park.”
She credits voters for approving the Quality of Life initiative in 1996 which helps fund many projects. “We also have additional diversified funding, including grants, creative partnerships and agreements that allow us provide a broad range of free or low-cost recreation opportunities for the residents and visitors to our Capital city.”
Anyone interested in attending the meeting should email carsoncitynvrotary@gmail.com.
