Submitted by Riverside County
The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District (RivCoParks) brought home the Best in Category – Parks and Recreation award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for the second year in a row, this past weekend. The award recognizes RivCoParks’ ongoing efforts to support veterans’ mental health through community-based outdoor programs.
The 2025 award highlights RivCoParks’ Veterans Fishing Derbies and Veterans Access Pass Program, which provide free access to parks and outdoor events for veterans and their families. These programs focus on reducing isolation, encouraging social connection, and promoting mental wellness environments outside of clinical settings.
“Veteran programming is a top priority for the County of Riverside. Supporting those who have served has been one of the core focuses of my office, and it’s truly meaningful to see these efforts recognized. Innovative programs like this are critical to meeting veterans where they are and helping them access the support they deserve.” said Riverside County Chairman of the Board and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.
Since 2021, RivCoParks has served over 3,479 veterans through fishing events and issued more than 560 free access passes. The programs were developed in response to data showing high rates of veteran suicide and the importance of peer connection and outdoor experiences in supporting well-being.
“Connecting veterans to the outdoors offers more than recreation, it provides a way to support mental health in a familiar and meaningful setting,” said Robert Williams, Assistant Parks Director for RivCoParks and U.S. Army Veteran.
This is one of several recognitions RivCoParks has received in 2025, with additional National and State awards from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, California Park and Recreation Society, California Trails and Greenways, and the California Association of Public Information Officials.
These honors reflect RivCoParks’ broader mission to improve community health and access to outdoor spaces across Riverside County through outdoor equity programming, marketing initiatives and educational programing.
For more information on veteran programming or park access, visit the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District.
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