Congratulations to the Community Services Department Congratulations to the Community Services Department

The Arizona Parks & Recreation Association (APRA) presented three awards to the City of Casa Grande Community Services Department. A first place media award was won by Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc., which Mary Johnson, Community Services Director said has been a long time supporter of the department, "providing positive public exposure and awareness to the public."

The APRA also honored the city's Electric Light Parade as the best Community Neighborhood Special Event and the Desert Grande Triathlon/Duathlon as Outstanding Sports Program.

Photos by Public Information Officer, David Bridger

APRA Media Award APRA Media Award

Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc. has been a long time supporter and major sponsor of the City of Casa Grande Community Services Department by providing positive public exposure and awareness for over 20 years. The Community Services Department has a number of programs and events such as the Photography Contest, Electric Light Parade, and Concerts in the Park, which are highly publicized by the newspaper. Following our programs and events there is a great deal of coverage by the newspaper which includes photos and descriptions of the activities. A newspaper representative is always available during our Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meetings, Golf Course Advisory Board meetings, and other public meetings to report and print details, news or upcoming programs for the public.


Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, Inc., is always willing to provide public service exposure regarding parks, recreation, and cultural opportunities. We are so thankful and appreciative to have such a wonderful, organized, professional newspaper in our community.


APRA Outstanding Sports Program Award APRA Outstanding Sports Program Award

 

The Desert Grande Triathlon/Duathalon celebrated its 17th year in 2008 as an entry level, "super sprint" event intended to introduce athletes of all levels to the competitive and rewarding world of endurance sports, With a swimming distance of 400 meters, a bike distance of 10.5 miles, and a run distance of 3.5 miles, the Desert Grande is a great opportunity for new athletes who have never done a Triathlon to get involved and see what Triathlons are all about. For those athletes who wanted to try the event but did not want do the swim portion, the Duathlon gave them a chance to participate on their own terms, Over 566 athletes participated in the Desert Grande, which was up from 2007 by 41%, Over 40 volunteers assisted throughout the event.
 
The ultimate goal for the Desert Grande is to enhance the quality of life for everyone involved with the event. As many Tri-athletes will tell you, just completing the race is a major life accomplishment. The staff and volunteers who helped to organize and run a safe event felt the wonderful feeling of a job well done and a fulfilling feeling to know their actions had a positive impact on the life of someone else.

 


APRA Community Special Event Award APRA Community Special Event Award

On Saturday, December 6, 2008, the City of Casa Grande Community Services Department along with other city departments, community sponsors, and numerous volunteers, worked together to ring in the holiday season with the Tree Lighting Ceremony followed by the 14th Annual Electric Light Parade. A 30-foot artificial tree filled with over 2,000 multi-colored lights was installed on the City Hall front lawn. Following the tree lighting ceremony, spectators enjoyed the Electric Light Parade, an amazing display of lights with over 87 floats and marching bands. The entire parade route is 1 1/2 miles. A few hours prior to the parade, spectators have a chance to visit with Santa, receive goodie bag giveaways, and enjoy numerous games, and a snow play area. There are also a variety of craft and food stations.
The Electric Light Parade is the largest special event in the City of Casa Grande and quite possibly in all of Pinal County. The estimated crowd attending is approximately 25,000 - 30,000 and continues to grow every year. The Electric light Parade is an event that truly brings together the community and is a wonderful festive experience for all involved.