VENTURA : Parks Department Praises Supporters

A record 600 volunteers and community groups donated time and work to the Ventura Department of Parks and Recreation in the last fiscal year, according to a recently released annual report.

Corporate sponsorships and donations from local businesses also increased by $46,173, the report said. Altogether, volunteerism, cash and other donations totaled more than $787,000 last year.

“It speaks well for the community,” said Barbara Harison, director of parks and recreation. “They’re committed to providing support, even during a recession.”

Harison said parks and recreation departments statewide are having to rely more on their communities to support them as city and state funds dwindle more each year.

With an annual budget of about $8 million, the Ventura department operates 22 community parks, two golf courses, two senior centers and two community centers. It also manages the Olivas and Ortegas Adobe Historical sites and the Albinger Archeological Museum, and maintains 29,000 street trees and more than 28 miles of other open spaces.