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Vacaville proclaims July Parks and Recreation Month, parks staff outline budget, programs and upcoming projects
Summary
City parks and recreation leaders presented the department's operations, economic impact estimates and planned projects as the council proclaimed July 2025 Parks and Recreation Month.
Vacaville officials on June 24 proclaimed July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month and heard a department presentation about programs, staffing and planned park projects.
Parks and Recreation Director Bruce Mulder told the City Council that the department employs 26 full‑time staff and “over 200 part‑time staff” and estimated that Vacaville’s parks and recreation activity generates about $18,000,000 in local economic activity, citing national association methods scaled to the city’s population. “Parks and recreation is about fostering inclusion while engaging and creating a sense of community,” Mulder said during the presentation.
Recreation Manager Elizabeth Crisante described the department’s facilities and programming. She said three community centers support classes and rentals, noting 3 Oaks was built in 1973 and needs modernized kitchen infrastructure. Crisante reported registrations and participation increases: program registration revenue rose 8.6% year‑over‑year and waitlists climbed to about 4,300 people, which she said “underlines how our existing inventory of facilities and programming spaces hardly supports the existing population.” She also described safety upgrades under way, including upgraded security cameras at community centers and planned bullet‑resistant glass at the Georgie Duke Sports Center front counter.
Mulder and Crisante briefed the council on completed and upcoming capital projects. Mulder said the city completed work on Corderos Park, phase 2 of Magnolia Park is anticipated to open in mid‑to‑late August, and construction continues on Alamo Creek, Trower, Sura Vista and Centennial bike parks. Crisante noted the Centennial Bike Park is receiving heavy earthwork through a contract with a private partner and that the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre installed a new stage floor.
Council members thanked staff and read a proclamation signed by Mayor John Carley recognizing the month; Carley called out department volunteers and part‑time staff. The proclamation text recognized parks’ roles in health, community connection and local tourism.
Mulder and Crisante concluded by inviting residents to participate in programs, volunteer, and provide feedback to parks staff and commissions.
