News Release
December 18, 2007
Contacts
Leslye Asera, Community Relations Manager (925) 671-3272
lasera@ci.concord.ca.us
Concord wins state-wide awards for fitness events, Matteo’s playground
The California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) has selected two city of Concord projects to receive Awards of Excellence, the highest award in their respective categories. The “No Child Left Inside” program won in the Health and Wellness category, and “Matteo’s Dream, A Playground for Children of All Abilities” won in the Park Planning category.
The “No Child Left Inside” program was initiated by 2007 Concord Mayor Mark Peterson, who invited Concord youngsters to join him for four free activities aimed at improving the health and fitness of Concord youth. The activities included a hike, a bike ride, a pool party and a sports sampler at a local youth sports center. The goal of the program was to motivate young people to spend more time participating in physical activities and less time watching television and playing computer games. The four events drew hundreds of children and families interested in improving their physical fitness.
“Matteo’s Dream, A Playground for Children of All Abilities” resulted from a partnership between the city and the community. Matteo’s Dream is one of the few places in the Bay Area where children who cannot walk, see or hear can play safely alongside children who can. The playground was built by thousands of volunteers over a two-week period. The city contributed project management services, made the park site available and provided $232,000 in parkland funds. Lions Club members raised an additional $500,000 and solicited in-kind donations and volunteers. The playground has become a valued resource for disabled youngsters and their families from all over the Bay Area.
In addition, Liz Lamach, the Concord resident who worked tirelessly for several years to make the Matteo’s Dream playground a reality, was selected to receive the California Association of Park & Recreation Special Award for Outstanding Service. Lamach, whose son Matteo uses a wheelchair and is blind, is a member of the Concord Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission and the Lions Club. Lamach brought the city, residents and organizations together to bring Matteo’s Dream playground to life.
CPRS awards are the highest recognition a California agency can receive. The awards will be presented at the CPRS Awards and Installations Banquet on February 29 in Long Beach during the Annual California and Pacific Southwest Recreation and Park Training Conference.
For more information, contact CRS Director Joan Carrico, (925) 671-3440.
