South San Francisco, CA March 19, 2015 Submitted by City of South San Francisco
Sharon Ranals was chosen among hundreds of Directors through out the State for this much deserved award
The City of South San Francisco is pleased to announce Parks and Recreation Director, Sharon Ranals, as the recipient of the California Association of Park and Recreation Commissioners & Board Members (CAPRCBM) Outstanding Professional Award. This annual award is given out to one individual, among hundreds of Directors in California, and is chosen by the CAPRCBM awards committee.
“This is a state-wide competition and it’s very competitive. Throughout her distinguished career, Sharon Ranals has exemplified the characteristics of an Outstanding Parks and Recreation Professional and is a true advocate for the benefits of parks and recreation,” says Paul Romero, Executive Director, California Association of Park and Recreation Commissioners & Board Members.
Through her leadership, Ranals was able to navigate through the most recent downturn in the economy by maximizing the talents of her department staff. The citizens of South San Francisco saw no affect in the quality programs or the maintenance of parks. The programs remained affordable and layoffs were avoided.
Ranals began her career with the City of South San Francisco in 1980 as a Recreation Program Coordinator, and later, received a Master’s in Public Administration from San Francisco State University. Ranals was promoted through the department and, in February 2003, was named Director of Recreation and Community Services (now renamed Parks and Recreation).
Ranals has had several accomplishments this past fiscal year for the city, including the completion of improvements in the Orange Park Pool and enhancements of the Bob Brian Baseball Field, which benefits league play and a number of City programs. She also actively participated in creating the Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan to identify and establish strategies for correcting physical and programmatic barriers in public facilities and public programs.
Also, one of her initiatives this past year has been to create a comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Ranals hosted several community outreach events to solicit public feedback on the needs of programs, facilities and parks. The data obtained will provide Ranals with the community’s expectations of programs, facilities and services
“The City of South San Francisco’s Parks and Recreation Commission is privileged to have Sharon’s enthusiasm, dedication and leadership in creating and sustaining a high level quality of life with outstanding recreation and enrichment programs for all citizens of South San Francisco to enjoy,” says Mayor Ricard Garbarino.
In addition to Ranal’s recognition, a contingent of individuals from South San Francisco, including Parks and Recreation Commissioners, and Parks and Recreation, Library, and School District staff recently attended the California Parks and Recreation Society District IV Awards and Recognition Dinner in Menlo Park. This year’s award recipients include the Digital Literacy Program for innovative STEM programming, Kelly-Moore Paint Company of South San Francisco for their in-kind support of the Utility Box Mural Program, Marie Patea for her countless hours of volunteerism, and retired Recreation Supervisors Elaine Porter and Gus Vellis for their many years of dedicated service to the city and parks and recreation profession.
Ranals and the others will be recognized this Wednesday, March 25th during the City Council meeting, which starts at 7:00pm and will be held at the Municipal Services Building, 33 Arroyo Drive, South San Francisco.