JERRY COLLINS PICNIC PAVILION DEDICATION CEREMONY

July 15, 2016 – The Arcadia City Council is honoring the life and service of Jerry Collins by dedicating the Picnic Pavilion at Wilderness Park with a memorial plaque to commemorate his unique achievements and contributions to the Arcadia community. The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at Wilderness Park, located at 2240 N. Highland Oaks Drive in Arcadia. The public is invited to attend.

Jerry Collins began his service with the City of Arcadia in 1970 as Assistant Director of Recreation and became Director of Parks and Recreation in 1978. During his 24 year career with the City, Jerry led efforts for the planning, construction, and opening of the Arcadia Community Center, in addition to developing innovative Senior Programs designed to focus on the physical, social, and financial well-being of Arcadia seniors. Mr. Collins also championed Youth Programs that focused on the holistic importance of exercise, healthy diets, sports, music, and dance.

As a recognized pioneer in the field of recreation services, the Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation (SCMAF) established the Jerry Collins Award which is presented annually to individuals who are, “actively involved in the SCMAF San Gabriel Valley and committed to future success of the organization; a person who believes in the purpose of the organization and stands by it through their support and dedication.”

By commemorating the Jerry Collins Picnic Pavilion at Wilderness Park – a classic venue in Arcadia that symbolizes the unique and far-reaching impacts of recreation that Jerry embraced—the City is recognizing an exceptional public servant whose accomplishments continue to have a profound and lasting impact on the Arcadia community.