Cordova Recreation & Park District Staff and Board Members pose at awards banquet. Photo courtesy of CRPD

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) staff members and programs were recognized for their impact and dedication to the parks & recreation profession at the California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS) District 2 Annual Banquet and Installment Ceremony on Thursday, March 5, at the Rocklin Events Center. Two CRPD staff members were also reinstalled on the CPRS District 2 Board.  

Arturo Covarrubias, Program Facilitator and Food Service Cook at the Neil Orchard Senior Activities Center, was selected as the Winter 2026 Rising Star. This award highlights an exceptional part-time staff member who has made a significant impact within the Parks and Recreation field. Arturo says working at the senior center has “opened my eyes to a different and powerful way of serving older adults, not just through care, but through connection, enrichment and community engagement.”

CRPD was also awarded the Recreation & Community Program Award for the Outdoor Adventures & Teen Adventure Group (TAG). This award recognizes excellence in recreation and community services programs that encourage participation in recreational activities, moves the agency towards a stronger position within the community and builds loyalty for parks and recreation services. The TAG program is designed to help our community connect with nature, explore new experiences and build confidence in welcoming outdoor settings. Outdoor Adventures is funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created by AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services. With this support, CRPD is able to offer a wide variety of activities, both close to home and in natural areas beyond the community.

Cordova Recreation & Park District Staff Members, Arturo Covarrubias and Heather Schelske, pose at awards banquet. Photo courtesy of CRPD

Two CRPD staff members were reinstalled on the CPRS D2 Board. Nicole Lowery, Recreation Supervisor II on the CRPD aquatics team, and Heather Schelske, Recreation Supervisor II at the Neil Orchard Senior Activities Center, will continue serving as the Aquatics Section Representative and Aging & Activities Section Rep. Their reinstatement reflects their ongoing commitment to advancing the parks & recreation profession. Additionally, Nina Sinor, Recreation Supervisor II at the Mather Sports Complex and the outgoing president of the CPRS D2 Board, delivered a year-in-review presentation at the event. Her theme for the year, “Get in the Game with D2,” encouraged both new and returning members to actively engage in all that D2 has to offer.

Founded in 1946, CPRS provides education, support, recognition and development opportunities for parks & recreation professionals. As the largest CPRS district, CPRS District 2 serves more than 60 parks & recreation agencies across Alpine, Amador, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, Yolo and Yuba counties.