RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Recreation and Park District (CRPD) created a beautiful community park suited to host recreation, education and play. Last month, only a half-year after its opening, Heron Landing Community Park received an award. The California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD) granted CRPD the 2018 Award of Distinction for Outstanding New Facility.

CRPD’s Heron Landing Community Park opened in mid-December. Its opening was much anticipated by CRPD and community members, especially those who attended community meetings to voice their wants and needs and helped to shape and design critical elements of the park.  

There are many reasons the park is being recognized as outstanding. A strong resource conservation aesthetic is built into its design and is reflected in the selection of the many drought-tolerant and low water-use plants on the grounds. The park’s celebration of nature is made palpable in the shapes and colors selected for its play areas and spray park as well as in its bike path – which travels on to join other trails and ultimately connects with the Folsom Canal and American River Trail. With multiple tennis courts, basketballs hoops, ballfields, walking trails, multi-use open turf fields and a splash park, the park promotes recreation to its fullest. The District also worked closely with the community to include site specific accessible elements so that a variety of experiences can be shared by people of all abilities.

The CARPD award is the second award the park has won since its opening. The Facility Design and Park Planning Award was presented to CRPD in February by the California Park & Recreation Society, District 2.