FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Greater Vallejo Recreation District Receives $594,359 Funding for Improvements to Community Centers and Parks.

The Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) announced it has received $594,359 in funding, which it plans to use for improvements to community centers and parks. The funding is made available from a $100 million allocation provided by the State Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom in the 2021-2022 State Budget.

“We are thankful to CSDA and the elected officials who helped to secure this much needed funding” said Gabriel Lanusse, General Manager “We’re extremely grateful for this support.”

GVRD is a separate government agency from the City of Vallejo that provides parks and recreation programs for children, families, and seniors in Vallejo.

This funding arrives after special districts across California experienced budget and staff cuts necessitated as a result of the COVID pandemic. Throughout 2020 and 2021, California’s special districts provided essential services to their local communities, maintained a large portion of the state’s critical infrastructure, and employed thousands of front-line workers, but initially received none of the COVID relief funding available to cities and counties.

“Special districts are addressing our biggest statewide challenges, all at the local level,” said Neil McCormick, CEO of the California Special Districts Association (CSDA). We applaud Governor Newsom and our Legislature for recognizing this and responding to our requests for partnership. Special districts make a difference throughout California and this funding will make a difference in the communities special districts serve.”

Statewide, more than 2,000 independent special districts across the state serve the needs of all 40 million Californians at some level, and more than 60 percent of these local agencies provide specialized services to a disadvantaged community.

About GVRD: GVRD operates primarily by means of locally-controlled funding and also receives revenue from fees for services, park entrances, programs, and facility rentals. Grants and park dedication permit fees assist in the provision for new park development projects and ongoing maintenance.

GVRD manages 407 acres of public park space including 20 neighborhood parks, 10 community parks, 6 special purpose parks, an olympic-size swimming pool and 4 community centers. GVRD, maintains over 1,000 acres of public land and offers programs that benefit over 120,000 Vallejo residents of all ages each year.

About CSDA: The California Special Districts Association is a 501c(6), not-for-profit association representing more than 2,000 independent special districts that provide water, sanitation, fire protection, park and recreation, healthcare, electricity, port and harbor, resource conservation, library, cemetery, and other specialized community services throughout California.