The original parks department was established because of the Parkway; “…in 1959 Sacramento County adopted a Master Plan for 23 miles of the river course and created a Department of Parks and Recreation to manage the budding Parkway.” American River Parkway, Financial Needs Study (2000, p. vii). See at http://www.sacparks.net/our-parks/american-river-parkway/financial-needs-study/docs/arp-financial-needs-study.pdf
Unfortunately, the department has not done a very good job of managing that for which they were formed, but one hopes the name change will restore clarity to their mission.
An excerpt.
Agency makes a name for itself while promoting county parks
By M.S. Enkoji -- Bee Staff WriterPublished 12:01 am PDT Thursday, August 24, 2006
Quick: What's the name of the county agency that takes care of the American River Parkway in Sacramento County? Anyone know what this is? Class? Anyone? Anyone?
Not too long ago, the exact, correct answer was the Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks, Recreation and Open Space. A mouthful to say, a lot to remember and confusing in nature -- so to speak.
Recognizing a marketing nightmare when he sees one, Ron Suter, agency director, ordered a name change, a moniker that says it all in four words or less.
"We are getting people to recognize that we are a simple regional park provider," said Suter. "It's not your local park district."
Now known as the Department of Regional Parks, the department also ordered a new logo, which will make its debut this week, Suter said.
The Board of Supervisors approved the new name in April.
The department's first name, Parks and Recreation, dates back to 1959 and was changed to Regional Parks, Recreation and Open Space in 1995.
The logo, like the new name, is a more streamlined, simplified design that is easily identifiable from a distance. And, it's easier to reproduce on stationery and signs and giveaway gadgets such as water bottles and key rings, said Liz Bellas, the department's administrative services officer.
