Parks and Rec is seeking motivated students to be part of P.A.R.C. program

Try to imagine life in Yuma without any parks, community centers, athletic fields or swimming pools. Try to imagine life in our community without any organized arts, recreational or athletic activities? This image certainly conjures up a life not lived to the fullest.

The city of Yuma Parks and Recreation Department plays an essential role in the quality of life and the economic development of our community. Its main mission is to improve the health and well-being of our community, contribute to a successful community economically and provide safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities to all. To accomplish this, the Parks and Recreation Department continually seeks community involvement in order to understand and meet their needs. One of the ways this is accomplished is through the assistance of the Parks, Art and Recreation Commission. This group of volunteer citizens assists the department in carrying out their mission by sharing their ideas and concerns.

Serving on a city board or commission is one of the ways an individual can become involved and help better their community. The city recruits residents to serve in many different areas. Contact the City Clerk's Office for general information on what is available at 373-5035. The Parks and Recreation Department has a current opportunity to serve that we would like to highlight in this column.

City council approved the reorganization of what is now known as the P.A.R.C. (Parks Arts and Recreation Commission) in 2011 when it combined the Parks and Recreation Commission, started in 1972, and the Arts and Culture Commission, started in 1995. P.A.R.C. provides vital input when it comes to the future planning and development of parks, programs and recreational facilities in a continually developing Yuma.

The P.A.R.C. consists of 11 voting members, of which, four of those members are local high school students. All are appointed by the city council. The commission meets the third Thursday of every month at 4 p.m. P.A.R.C.'s main objective is to discuss issues concerning matters that affect the planning and development of the city's parks, arts and recreation programs and facilities. They are also the voice of the community, representing their needs and acting as a liaison between city government and the residents of the city of Yuma.

The Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission chairman Isaac Russell says, “We are a group, composed of regular citizens that volunteer our time and are working together for bettering the quality of life in Yuma. Participating on the P.A.R.C. is truly a humbling experience, the commission takes information from the citizens and presents information to the city on their behalf.”

P.A.R.C. has played an active role in the progress of the modern Yuma we reside in today. Its input has been instrumental on the development of high-quality parks, programs, facilities and written policies that govern Parks and Recreation today.

Did you know that there are 34 parks, 26 playgrounds and four swimming pools inside the Yuma city limits? In the past 10 years, 13 parks, the Elena Orendain-Curtis Sports Complex, the Valley Aquatic Center, Yuma Art Center, Historic Yuma Theatre, Yuma Readiness and Community Center, and numerous playgrounds around the city have all been constructed or enhanced, and P.A.R.C. played an integral role in helping to make them possible.

The Parks, Art, and Recreation Commission is currently soliciting motivated students interested in participating on the 2013-2014 P.A.R.C. Local high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors are eligible to participate on the commission. To be considered, students must reside within the city of Yuma limits.

Interested students may submit a resume and a one-page essay on “The Importance of Community Involvement” to Oscar Chavez, recreation supervisor at Oscar.chavez@yumaaz.gov or mail to city of Yuma Parks and Recreation Department, Attention: Oscar Chavez, One City Plaza, Yuma AZ, 85364. Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. Feb. 21. For more information, call 373-5234.