HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - December 15, 2004 I-02AGENDA ITEM 10Z
CITY OF LODI
%V COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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AGENDA TITLE: Approve naming of the Youth Area at Lodi Lake in honor of former Parks and
Recreation Director Ron Williamson
MEETING DATE: December 15, 2004
PREPARED BY: Parks and Recreation Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council approve naming of the Youth Area at Lodi
Lake in honor of former Parks and Recreation Director Ron
Williamson.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Ron Williamson began his career as a Recreation Supervisor with
the Lodi Parks and Recreation Department in April of 1965 under
the Directorship of Ed DeBenedetii. It was the beginning of a 35
year tenure with the City that lasted until his retirement in
September of 2000.
Ron was introduced to a Lodi Parks and Recreation environment that consisted of only a 5 person office
— a dramatic contrast to that which he left upon retiring. His supervisory responsibilities included both
adult and youth recreation sports programs. He was also assigned the very important role of liaison to
the Boosters of Boys and Gird Sports (BOBS), an organization whose operating budget grew from
$20,000 in 1965 to that of $300,000 today. Ron also helped author the By-laws that provided the
structural and organizational guidelines by which the volunteer organization would be governed. Ron has
been credited by both his peen; and colleagues for his vision and "long-term' development of the BOBS
organization.
During his tenure as a Recreation Supervisor, he was personally and professionally driven to create more
balance in the recreation program areas. He coached Comet baseball for two years, a competitive
traveling team that ultimately evolved into the creation of a Pony/Colt baseball league. He was
personally responsible for organizing the Meteor/Comet basketball programs — a competitive opportunity
for 70' and a grade basketball enthusiasts. Ron also helped form the first 6 -team youth football
conference, which ultimately evolved into an 8 -team Mountain Valley Youth Football Conference.
Ron Williamson served as the Director of Lodi's Parks and Recreation Department from December 1985
until his retirement. Under his direction, the City successfully developed Peterson and Katzakian Parks
and several Lodi Lake projects. He was responsible for introducing and completing the 2a edition of the
Lodi Parks Master Plan. The document is still being used today. But according to Ron Williamson
himself, he takes the most pride in his persistent efforts to establish partnerships with local service clubs.
Realizing that "community service" was important to both service clubs and the Parks and Recreation
Department, Ron personally solicited their interest and cooperation in developing various parks projects
throughout the Lodi community — Emerson Park serves as a good example.
Approve naming of the Youth Area at Lodi Lake in honor
of former Parks and Recreation Director Ron Wliamson
December 15, 2004
Page 2
We have chosen the Youth Area of Lodi Lake because of Ron Wiilliamson's undying dedication to this
community's youth and his passionate affection for the Lodi Lake area. Ron is the consummate Parks
and Recreation professional and a perfect ambassador for his profession's motto — "Creating Community
through People, Parks and Programs'!
FUNDING: This action has no financial impact upon the City
-t1-1—
Tony C. g
Parks and Recreation Director
TG.0
cc: City Attomey
Putts Superintendent
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-283
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL
NAMING THE LODI LAKE YOUTH AREA
IN HONOR OF FORMER PARKS AND
RECREATION DIRECTOR RON WILLIAMSON
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Lodi
does hereby name the Lodi Lake Youth Area the "Ron Williamson Youth Area."
Dated: December 15, 2004
I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2004-283 was passed and adopted by the
City Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held December 15, 2004, by the
following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Hansen, Hitchcock, Johnson, Mounce,
and Mayor Beckman
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ASSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
SUSAN J. BLACKSTON
City Clerk
2004-283