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Dallas Parks recognizes out‑of‑school‑time team, names Maritza Garcia professional of the year; board members honor departing Jeff
Summary
The board recognized the Park and Recreation Department’s out‑of‑school‑time team with a job-commitment award, named Maritza Garcia Dallas After School professional of the year, and several board members publicly thanked a departing staffer, Jeff, for long service to District 11 and the parks system.
At its June meeting the Dallas Park and Recreation Board formally recognized the department’s out‑of‑school‑time division and presented awards to staff, while board members offered public thanks to a long‑serving parks official identified only as Jeff.
Steve Baker, assistant director of recreation services, told the board the out‑of‑school‑time division had received two awards from the Dallas After School Network: a job‑commitment award honoring workplace culture and employee development, and a professional‑of‑the‑year award for Maritza Garcia.
"When you invest in people, you strengthen programs and create lasting community impact," Baker said as he introduced the division’s work and presented the awards. Baker said the division is operating at a high standard and noted that 10 of the department’s 11 out‑of‑school sites achieved quality assurance certification this year.
Several board members used the meeting’s recognition period to thank Jeff, identified in the meeting as a park coordinator serving District 11, for his years of service. Board members praised his leadership, empathy and mentoring. "The Jeff Kipner way is something that I think we should all emulate," one board member said, praising his focus on comity and public service.
Why it matters: the out‑of‑school time program staffs summer camps and after‑school activities widely used by Dallas families; high quality standards and staff development affect program safety and continuity.
Baker said the after‑school leadership team includes 43–45 part‑time program implementers currently working summer programs; he asked the board to recognize the division’s career‑path and mentorship efforts. Maritza Garcia was recognized for mentorship, staff training and cultivating school and community partnerships.
Board members repeatedly praised the department’s role in youth development and credited front‑line staff for keeping young people engaged and off the streets during summers and after school.
The board’s recognition segment closed with continued thanks to departing staff and encouragement that the department build on the out‑of‑school‑time division’s training and certification work.
