Lathrop’s Parks and Recreation Department is being streamlined from the top down.
Earlier this week the Lathrop City Council approved an overhaul of existing municipal code language that details the expectations and the powers of the Parks and Recreation Commission in an effort to eliminate any overlap amongst departments that serve Lathrop’s more than 17,000 residents.
The proposal, which generated little discussion amongst the council before they approved it, had the approval of the Lathrop Parks and Recreation Commission, which makes recommendations to the council for its final decision.
Part of the reason for the change was the recent hiring of a full-time Parks and Recreation Director – in 2014 – that oversees the department and is helping prepare Lathrop for a period of planned growth. The hiring relieved the Administrative Services Director from the position they were serving in on an interim basis.
The 18 listed items that were spelled out as the job description and responsibilites of the commissioners, with the amendment, will be scaled back to only 10 things to prevent the scope from overshadowing the work being done within City Hall.
The recommendation reflects a more accurate representation of the roles of those serving of all of the positions that benefit the community as a whole.
Much like other municipalities, Lathrop utilizes a Parks and Recreation Commission to refer matters to the City Council and make base level decisions concerning those matters. The commission, which consists of five members, meets monthly and their referrals are then decided by the council who executes the official city policy on the matters. With the addition of River Islands and other large developments on the horizon, Lathrop’s population is expected to grow in the coming years and the city has taken a proactive step in providing recreational and leisure opportunities for its residents – whether it’s a state-of-the-art park facility like what residents can enjoy at Mossdale Park or athletic leagues that are enjoyed at the Lathrop Community Center.
The Lathrop Senior Center is also operated by the Lathrop Parks and Recreation Department and is a hub of activity for senior members of the community.