NEWS RELEASE

At the Annual Awards Banquet held March 1, 2008 in Long Beach, Sonoma County Regional Parks received an Achievement Award in the category of Maintenance Management and Operations from the California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) for the County Center Water Conservation Landscape Project.

CPRS Executive Director Jane H. Adams states, "These agencies represent the finest in recreation programming, park and facility design, promotional materials and park maintenance in California." According to Allan Darrimon, Park Maintenance Manager, the CPRS awards program is the highest recognition our agency can receive and our department's award is a credit to the staff & volunteers that made this happen.

The County Center Water Conservation Landscape Project was developed to address both water conservation and water quality concerns in a manner that created an attractive landscape as well as an educational experience for visitors. The primary focus of the project was to conserve water by reducing turf and shrub areas by 90%. These areas have been replaced with native, drought-tolerant plants. The new plants were selected for their aesthetic beauty and their compatibility with the local climate. The new design also includes pathways, informational signage and picnic tables, inviting visitors to learn more about native plants or to simply relax.

For more information, contact Allan Darrimon at (707) 565-2041. Visit www.sonoma-county.org/parks to learn more about Sonoma County's 43 Regional Parks.