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News Release San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department Contact: Jody Mayes Garcia/207-4207 Date: December 11, 2008 Ronald R. Darner Parks and Recreation Operations Headquarters dedication will celebrate former Director’s legacy City officials will celebrate the legacy of former Parks and Recreation Director Ron Darner during the grand opening of the Ronald R. Darner Parks and Recreation Operations Headquarters during a ceremony to be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 1:30 p.m., at the facility, 5800 Old Highway 90 West. District Six Councilwoman Delicia Herrera; Lila Cockrell, President of the San Antonio Parks Foundation; members of the Darner family; representatives of the Parks and Recreation Department and other dignitaries will honor Darner for his 30 years of service to the citizens of San Antonio. Darner began his career as a junior engineer in 1967 and was promoted to Director only five years later at age 30. During his tenure the department received the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence, the highest award given by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The department was a finalist in this competition six times under Mr. Darner’s direction. In his 25 years as Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, dedicated park land nearly tripled. Voters approved numerous park bond initiatives for new community centers. Darner’s aggressive pursuit of federal and state funds made possible the renovation of many parks and recreation facilities. Among the major projects were the San Antonio Botanical Garden and Lucille Halsell Conservatory, Emily and Albert Friedrich Wilderness Park, Eisenhower Park, the beautification of the River Walk and the revitalization of HemisFair Park. He passed away in 2005. Mayor Emeritus and current President of the San Antonio Parks Foundation Lila Cockrell submitted the request to name the new headquarters building in Mr. Darner’s honor. "Ron Darner was a fine, dedicated public official who was respected by everyone. He loved our City's parks and worked hard to improve them and encourage their use. I am so pleased that the new headquarters building for the Parks and Recreation Department will be named for him." The building is the new home of the Parks and Recreation Department’s Recreation, Horticulture, Maintenance and Warehouse operations. A new community center located inside the building is named in honor of former Councilman Enrique Barrera. The building also played an important historical role in San Antonio’s economy. In 1977, Levi Strauss & Co. opened the 125,000 square foot plant where approximately 800 employees produced four million pairs of jeans annually for 27 years. In January, 2004, the company moved the operations out of the United States and permanently closed the plant. The City of San Antonio acquired the building and 58.9 acres in 2004. For more information, call 207-8480.
Comments can be sent to kirvin@sanantonio.gov.
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