The City of Santee announced that at the California Parks and Recreation Society District 12 Awards and Installation Breakfast on April 2, the city’s Parks and Recreation received three distinction awards: The Most Valuable Part Time Player Award, the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award (JEDI), and the Parks Make Life Better Spotlight Award.
Recreation Services Manager Anne Morrison received the JEDI Award, which acknowledges an individual’s efforts in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion within CPRS District 12.
Morrison has been a strong advocate for creating access to play, imagination and fun for all throughout her 20 years in the city of Santee. She has challenged her team to ensure that all events are accessible, relevant and representative of the Santee population. Additionally, she worked to align her programs with the economic growth and cultural expansion that has occurred within the city of Santee.
“The City of Santee Parks & Recreation Division is proud to have received these 3 awards from CPRS district 12. The entire city staff is dedicated and hardworking and it is nice to be recognized for the efforts and contributions they provide to the community. People, parks and programs make Santee one of the best cities to live, work and play in San Diego County,” said Morrison.
The Most Valuable Part Time Player Award was awarded to Recreation Leader, Amanda DiBenedetto, for her outstanding contributions to the city of Santee. DiBenedetto was recognized for her professionalism and ability to adapt to both administrative and special events-related roles.
The Parks Make Life Better Award: Facility was awarded to the City of Santee for our Town Center Community Park Softball Fields Equity Improvements. The softball fields’ improvement exhibited a creative and innovative design that provides equal opportunities for female youth athletes in the city of Santee. This project increased the original three-field youth softball field complex to a five-field complex, added extra amenities such as enhanced dugouts, warm up area and seating. This impactful project allows more than 300 softball players to have better opportunities for games, practices and turned the park into a larger attraction for the city of Santee.
