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Passaic County proclaims 2024 successes of Parks and Recreation; commissioners present certificates
Summary
The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing the Passaic County Department of Parks and Recreation for increased participation, awards from the New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association and expanded programming in 2024. Commissioners presented certificates to staff members at the April 22 meeting.
The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners on April 22 issued a proclamation recognizing the Passaic County Department of Parks and Recreation for expanded programming and increased public participation in 2024.
The proclamation, presented by Commissioner Christian Cruz, highlighted that the department "welcomed over 10,000 guests" in 2024, a 28% increase from the previous year, and reported satisfaction ratings "over 95%". It also noted four awards from the New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association for programs including the youth leadership retreat, Kidchella, monthly event calendars and the forest-bathing program flyer.
Daryl Sparter, director of the Passaic County Department of Parks and Recreation, told commissioners he was "very excited where we've come in the last 8 years" and summarized the department's growth: hiring seven staff members since 2019, taking on Camp Hope, and planning "over 300 different programs and events" and more than 400 private permits for 2025.
The proclamation detailed additional 2024 metrics included in the record: a 22.88% increase in permit fees collected, a 6.7% rise in permits issued, 42 senior group trips serving 2,413 senior participants, and 1,801 summer camp uses (including Art in the Wild and Camp Hope) with 25 free camp experiences provided to underserved youth. The county also cited an "access for all" initiative that engaged 122 participants in accessible golf experiences and 34 golf outings with nearly 3,000 participants benefiting local schools, first responders and nonprofits.
Commissioner Cruz called up staff members for certificates; those named in the meeting were Carrie Klug, Luis Vasquez, Jonathan Polo Plon and Diana Poblete. Sparter also said he had requested additional plaques to recognize partners, including the Youth Services Commission director, and Stockton University co-hosts for the youth leadership retreat.
The board approved the proclamation by roll call vote. Commissioners Bartlett, Cruz, DeVore, Duffy and James voted yes.
