HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Livermore Area Recreation & Park District turns 70

LARPD is doing its best to make some hay about its 70th year. There’s a new commemorative logo and Barry has put together a powerpoint presentation sure to thrill history buffs.

A display is planned throughout August at the Livermore Public Library highlighting LARPD through the decades in commemoration of the anniversary.

In addition, park users can participate in the “70 Miles for 70 Years Challenge,” a series of ranger-led walks, hikes and bike rides to log miles. Prizes include a calendar, parking passes and the grand prize for the person completing the most miles: A guided hike for two of Brushy Peak Regional Preserve.

LARPD was formed 70 years ago because Livermore officials felt area youth didn’t have enough recreational activities. At the time it was determined that a separate tax funded special district with a budget that could not be reduced by the needs of Livermore’s city budget would be the best way to ensure that top quality parks and recreation facilities flourished.

With this in mind, a special election was held on June 10, 1947, and what was then known as the Livermore Area Park, Recreation and Parkway District was born. Initially, the district’s board of directors was appointed by the Alameda Board of Supervisors. In 1959, the district became an independent special district with an elected board. With this change LARPD took on its current name.

Today, LARPD has a budget of more than $21 million and 400 employees. It manages 1,440 acres of open space and 500 acres of formal parks. LARPD also co-manages, with the non-profit Livermore Rodeo Foundation, the historic Livermore rodeo grounds in Robertson park. The rodeo celebrates its 100th anniversary next year.

Read more at: http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/08/08/livermore-area-recreation-and-park-district-turns-70/