PROCLAMATION OF THE GROVER BEACH CITY COUNCIL
RECOGNIZING KATHY PETKER UPON HER RETIREMENT
AS PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR
WHEREAS, Kathy was hired part-time for the City of Grover Beach as Recreation Specialist in 1992 and then full-time as Program Coordinator in 1996 and worked in different recreation positions for the City prior to her appointment as Parks and Recreation Program Director in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Kathy’s first project was to develop the Grover City Activities Guide and later the South County Guide; she continued to collaborate on and produce the Guide three times annually in conjunction with the cities of Pismo Beach and Arroyo Grande; and WHEREAS, Kathy oversaw the functions of the Parks and Recreation Department and played an instrumental role in the activities and programming enjoyed by the community including 275 concerts, 300 special events, and 700 education classes; and WHEREAS, special events overseen by Kathy during her tenure included the Dune Run, Halloween Carved Pumpkin Contest and Rotary Club Trunk or Treat, Thanksgiving Thankfulness Contest, South County Holiday Parade, Santa’s Wonderland, Holiday of Lights decorating contest, Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Mother-Son Dance, Spring Garden Tour, and Summer Concert series; and
WHEREAS, Kathy helped start the beloved Summer Concert Series at Ramona Garden Park which has grown to be the largest and most extensive City-sponsored concert series in the area and serves as an amazing community gathering place; and WHEREAS, Kathy played a key role in projects to establish or improve City parks and community centers including the Ramona and Grover Beach Community Centers, South County Skate Park, Hero Park, 16th Street Park playground, and Ramona Garden Park Master Plan; and; WHEREAS, Kathy cultivated a strong connection with her alma mater Cal Poly which led to numerous volunteer opportunities for Cal Poly students and sports coaches including the popular free youth sports clinics offered by the basketball, baseball, and tennis teams; and WHEREAS, Kathy worked closely with both the Parks and Recreation Commission and Grover Beautiful Committee and served subsequently as staff resource for the merged Parks, Recreation and Beautification Commission and worked with countless Commissioners over the years dedicated to enhancing quality of life in Grover Beach.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Grover Beach City Council expresses its gratitude and recognition to Kathy Petker for 27 years of dedicated service to Grover Beach.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Grover Beach to be affixed this 26th of June 2023.
Karen Bright, Mayor
Attest:
Wendi Sims, City Clerk