Carson City Parks & Rec awards recognition

The Foundation for the Betterment of Carson City Parks and Recreation has announced the 2011 recipients of its Special Recognition Awards:

Organization of the Year, Kiwanis Clubs of Carson City: Kiwanis Clubs were awarded for their various community service projects benefitting the park system. They hold an annual Carson River Cleanup event and have adopted Blackwell's Pond Park as part of the Adopt-a-Park Program. They have a monthly work day at the park from May to October.

Business of the Year, Vidler Water Co.: Vidler is recognized for donating 39 acres and a half-mile trail along the Carson River to the Carson City Parks Department.

Volunteer of the Years, Michael J. Fischer, M.D.: Fischer was a major promoter of the Carson Tiger Sharks Swim Team from 1986 until 2001 and was a swim coach. He chaired the "Quality of Life" ballot Question 18, which passed in 1996 and which provides money to build new facilities for the community parks. The new swimming pool was one of these facilities. Many volunteer hours were given to park projects.

Volunteer of the Year, Ilona Strull: Ilona is the president and driving force of the non-profit organization Parks 4 Paws, whose mission is to raise funds to build a dog park at Fuji Park. In 2011, they raised money enough to see this become a reality. The dog park at Fuji Park will open in early November.

Each recipient's name will be placed on the monument in Mill Park at the entrance to the Pony Express Pavilion.

There also will be a brief ceremony at 11 a.m. Nov. 11. The public is invited to attend. For more information call Jo Saulisberry at 246-5570.