Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce board members present a $2,000 check to Hearts 4 Heroes USA, a nonprofit organization that provides therapy dogs to first responders. Pictured above is Ellie, a therapy dog donated to the Citrus Heights Police Department, beside Operations Division Commander Michael Wells.

 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Local leaders and business professionals at the April 15 Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon listened attentively to the guest speaker describe the Sunrise Recreation and Park District’s events and facilities that enrich community life and drive economic growth and transformation in Citrus Heights.

Before the guest speaker’s presentation, Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheri Merrick presented a check of $2,000 to Hearts for Heroes USA, a nonprofit organization that provides therapy dogs to first responders. The chamber collected money for this donation from a portion of the proceeds gathered at the 67th annual Community Awards Dinner on March 13.

“Because of that event, we were able to raise a donation and provide a donation to give back. Our nonprofit for this year was Hearts for Heroes USA,” said Merrick. “We want to tell them thank you so much for what you’ve been able to do for our community and for our first responders.”

Guest speaker Kevin Huntzinger, a chamber board member and the district administrator for Sunrise Recreation and Parks, discussed the park district’s values, which are to create a sense of place, promote economic and human development, increase cultural unity and encourage health wellness for residents.

Events that the park district hosts throughout the year to increase cultural unity include food truck nights, concerts/movies at the park, family swim nights, yoga at the park and movies at the pool.

New Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce members include, from left, Dr. Magda Peronel of Integrity Naturopathic, Darren Paquette of Keller Williams Realty Roseville, Stacie Derencin of 4 Directions Science and Graphics, Michelle Richie of Bright and Sparkly Cleaning Services, and Nyeron Jefferson of Pressure Barbering Company and Salon. 

There are also events hosted in collaboration with community partners, such as the San Juan Unified School District, SMUD, Republic Services and the Citrus Heights Marching Band. These events include Stars and Stripes Sunday (Independence Day celebration), the Howl-O-Ween Parade, Tuba Christmas, and most recently, the Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt.

The district is also in partnership with the Citrus Heights Police Department to help clean up and improve the quality of life at the parks. The police department, along with a private security company, helps ensure the safety of park visitors by monitoring for and preventing any prohibited activities.

According to Huntzinger, having partners to sponsor and help facilitate events strengthens the city’s image and brings the community together.

The Sunrise Recreation and Park District also maintains sports venues for several local youth groups that consistently bring in big crowds for games, according to Huntzinger.

“Our programs and facilities attract and retain businesses and residents, as well as attract tourists. Sunrise Recreation and Park District also provides jobs and generates income for the community in local business,” said Huntzinger. “We host special events such as the multi-day softball tournaments occurring almost every weekend.”

Public access to the district’s parks and facilities has promoted health wellness, with more than 250 fitness classes available for adults and youth. The aquatic facilities, which offer swimming lessons and swim clinics, have had more than 19,000 residents use the pools for public swimming.

Development projects discussed were the Kathy Cook Memorial Amphitheater project at Rusch Park and the new Mitchell Village Park that is coming soon.

The Kathy Cook Memorial Amphitheater is a donor-funded project by the Citrus Heights Marching Band. The band has been raising money for this project to commemorate late founder Kathy Cook and to celebrate its 20th anniversary with constructing an outdoor amphitheater. Huntzinger noted that the project is moving quickly along and that construction drawings are completed.

The Mitchell Village Park will be a trail area that is one mile plus of walking paths for residents. Park features include five bridges and two playgrounds. Access will be at various entrances located along Fair Oaks Boulevard.  

Sunrise Recreation and Park District Administrator Kevin Huntzinger shared upcoming events and projects that will continue to strengthen the community by promoting wellness and togetherness.

Sunrise Recreation and Park District currently operates and facilitates 34 developed parks, two aquatic facilities and a golf course. Two new parks are under construction, Mitchell Village Park and Barret Ranch Park. 

Huntzinger gave credit to his staff members for the hard work being done within the district. Park supervisors Jaime Fonseca and Jeff Rivard, who attended the luncheon, have more than 20 years working with Sunrise Recreation and Parks. Recreation Services Manager Courtney Hobart, who was also present, has worked with the district for 16 years.

“One of the big reasons I came to Sunrise is because of staff like this. The longevity just tells you what kind of organization it is. And really, all of these programs, all of these things I’m talking about, wouldn’t happen without them and our other staff that do all the work,” said Huntzinger.

To learn more about upcoming events, visit the Sunrise Recreation and Park District website at sunriseparks.com/events-a98874b or call 916-725-1585.  

The next luncheon will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 20 in the newly-rebranded Citrus Heights Event Center at 6300 Fountain Square Drive.