Candidate for
Director; Cordova Recreation and Park District

Growing up in this community, I have been fortunate to enjoy our great parks. But I have also seen changes that are not in the best interest of our community. Our parks must be the envy of the region and managed in an efficient and effective manner. My experience and background are the perfect fit to direct the future of our park system.

It is important our established parks and future parks are well maintained and meet the needs of our community. I will be a champion for improving the maintenance, appearance and safety of our established parks. Currently the district does not have a plan to adequately address the needs of our older parks. I will work hard to ensure a plan is developed and implement so all of our parks are the envy of the region.

Future residential development will require the district to plan and develop many new parks and facilities. It is important the district collaborates with all of their community partners to ensure new parks and facilities address the needs of everyone. As a director I will always seek the involvement of our community partners during the planning and development of new parks and facilities.

Attending park district meetings since 2012 has well prepared me to join the board and I will make an immediate contribute.

My family moved to Mather Air Force Base in 1974 when my father was stationed there. When my father retired in 1976 my parents bought a home in Rancho Cordova. I grew up down the street from Federspiel Park and have wonderful memories of playing at the playground, swimming in the community pool and running through the sprinklers on hot summer days with friends.

I am the youngest of seven siblings (all graduates of Cordova Senior High School). I attended Mather Heights and Rancho Cordova Elementary, Mills Junior High School and Cordova Senior High School.

​My wife, Stephanie, and I have lived and worked in this community for nearly forty years. We have raised our three daughters in this community, two of whom have also graduated from Cordova while our youngest is currently a Junior. We have enjoyed many of the district's facilities and great programs over the years. Our daughters took swimming lessons at Hagan Park, attended Camp Cordova there too, and played basketball at the Mather Gym, just to mention a few. They enjoyed countless birthday parties, attended sports practices and played hundreds of youth soccer games at parks throughout the district over the past twenty years.

Professionally, I work for Vision Service Plan in Rancho Cordova. My responsibilities include managing projects and program with efficiency and clear goals.

My volunteer service at our children's schools includes being elected to serve as a parent representative on the Site Councils at Cordova Lane and Navigator Elementary School.

Additionally , I was a volunteer coach and board member of Rancho Cordova Youth Soccer Club. I also served as a volunteer board member for American River Youth Soccer League and Cordova Girls Softball League. I am proud of the work I did developing quality programs for our youth. My experience with these organizations taught me how to plan, coordinate, collaborate with boards and community partners all while maintaining a balanced budget. I am a founding member of the newly established (2013) Rancho Cordova Athletic Association and currently serve as secretary.

As a 2014 graduate of Leadership Rancho Cordova one of our projects resulted in a gift of over $15,000 to Folsom Cordova Unified School District for new music instruments at Mills and Mitchell Middle Schools and Cordova High School.

I am confident you will find my experience, knowledge, and love for this community make me an excellent choice for Cordova Recreational and Park District Director.

Please vote for Michael Yearwood on November 4, 2014.