Supervisors started parks commission to create a vision for
parks
San Benito County has a new parks commission that is aimed at
ensuring that parks get the respect they deserve.
Supervisors started parks commission to create a vision for parks
San Benito County has a new parks commission that is aimed at ensuring that parks get the respect they deserve.
While the mission of the commission is still being worked out, the focus is on park space within San Benito County. There are representatives from each of the county districts, as well as separate representatives from Veterans Memorial Park and from the Historical Park. The commission also includes two youth representatives on the commission – one from San Benito High School and one from Anzar High School.
“We feel like we have total representation across the board,” said Ray Pierce, the district 4 representative and vice-chairman of the parks commission. “One of the things we really want to get going on are youth events, so having two youth commissioners will help give us input.”
One of the things the commission is working on is reviewing all the county parks and open spaces in an effort to determine how San Benito County compares to other similarly sized counties in terms of available park space.
“We have a lot of parks that people don’t realize,” Pierce said. “San Justo Reservoir has some great park space and the historical park, too. I think we’re probably close to ample space, in terms of how much park area we have, but we could always use more.”
The parks commission was introduced by San Benito County District Supervisor Reb Monaco.
“When Supervisor Monaco envisioned this committee, he thought there should be representatives across the board,” said Don Kelly, the parks commission chairman. “As far as diversity goes, I think we’re a very diverse group. Personally, I’m very encouraged by the amount of participation. This is an outstanding commission and I think everyone is anxious to get things going.”
Jim West, District 2 representative, got involved with the commission because he’s been advocating for a river parkway for the past 10 years.
“I think that’s something that can be a jewel in the cap of San Benito County 30 years from now,” West said. “The river is totally within the boundaries of the county so we can do whatever we want with it.”
West understands that it is important to advocate for park space before it is necessary, because the longer you wait, the more expensive it gets.
“That’s the thing about parks. If you wait until you need them, you can’t afford to buy them,” West said. “By nature, all parks seem frivolous when they’re proposed, but if you wait until you need them, there is no land left.”
Kelley is also a strong advocate for parks. He has been the Hollister parks and recreations commissioner for the past three years and understands the importance of adequate park space.
The most immediate issue facing the parks commission is the topic of grants and grant money. The parks commission will have to build up a budget, since park funds have to be built up over the years, according to Pierce.
There are some different funding sources available to the commission. One of the groups that the commission is looking at working with is the California Parks and Recreation Society. It is an organization that brings representatives together from different districts and offers trainings and seminars. The topics range from how to secure grants to how to interact with the public, Kelley said.
“What I see as the main thing of importance is creating a master plan for parks that can be integrated into the county’s master plan,” Pierce said. “I think we have a diamond in the rough. There are a lot of great parks in the county, but people aren’t aware of them. I think they could definitely use some polish, but we’ll take stock and that will give us some direction.”
