In the entire nation, only one Parks and Recreation agency is rewarded for their efforts to promote equity within their community, and this year it was given to Santa Clarita’s Canyon Country branch, a Santa Clarita City Hall representative said.

The “2019 Innovation in Social Equity Award” from the National Recreation and Parks Association was awarded to the City of Santa Clarita for their Jakes Way Neighborhood Program in Canyon Country, City officials said.

“We are extremely proud of this program and so happy that it is receiving the attention and accolades it deserves. We hope it serves as a great example and encourages other agencies to implement similar programs,” said Mayor Marsha McLean.

The award is set to be presented to Santa Clarita representatives on Sept. 25 at the National Recreation and Parks Association conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Canyon Country agency’s program began in 2013 in an effort to promote access to local recreational and educational opportunities for all community members regardless of skin color, age, income or physical abilities.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children. Activities consist of summer camps, after-school programs, workshops, family events and English classes, City officials said.

Nonprofit staff, volunteers, representatives from schools, Sheriff’s deputies, health nurses, City staff and the neighborhood committee all work simultaneously in order to achieve the program’s goal, according to City officials

Additionally, a vacant apartment from the Park Sierra Apartment Complex was transformed into a small community center by the community services’ City staff with the property manager’s approval. According to Santa Clarita officials, the area is primarily for residents who may be prohibited by language, financial or cultural barriers, as well as a lack of transportation.

Crime decreased by 25 percent and graffiti by 20 percent in the immediate surrounding area since 2018. Positive impacts are supposedly only increasing, as around 45-60 children are expected to attend the Jakes Way Neighborhood Program in summer at the apartment complex’s playground, according to the City’s representatives.

For more information about the National Recreation and Parks Association award or the Jakes Way Neighborhood Program, contact Janine Prado, director of Recreation and Community Services, here.

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