Administration Department
The Administration Department performs the support functions for the District, including:
- Processing accounts payable and accounts receivable
- Maintaining financial records for the District and prepares the annual budget
- Maintaining all District financing functions
- Human resources
- Information technology and Website
- Front and back office functions
- Oversight of District operations and services
- Planning, construction and project management
- Public Information
- District Press
Contact Information
Administration Department: (916) 428-1171
Ward Winchell, General Manager
Paula Hansen, Administration Manager
Deanna Parker-Taylor, Accounting Manager
Vince King, Planning Manager
Juanita Cano, Associate Park Planner
Hilary Harkins, Landscape Architect
Scott Behmer, Human Resources Analyst
Chris Pontino, Communication and Media Officer
Angelica Palacios, Administrative Assistant II/Board Secretary
Julia Goetz, Administrative Assistant II
Peter DeSantiago, Network Administrator
Financial Reports
- California State Controller’s Office Government Compensation in California
- California State Controller’s Office Financial Transaction Report
- Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports
- Budget Fiscal Year 2026-2027
- Budget Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Fiscal and Financial Training (SB827)
Requests for records of Fiscal and Financial Training for board members and employees may be submitted by clicking the button below or by contacting the Administration Office at (916) 428-1171.
Enterprise Systems Catalog
Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence
District Policy
Title VI Implementation Plan
Awards and Recognitions
Special District Leadership Foundation Awards
Present
District of Distinction Accreditation
2012 to Present
- 1 of 42 Districts out of 2160 Independent Districts in California, 10th longest continuous accreditation in California
- Only Park District out of 92 Park Districts in California with current accreditation certificate
- District Transparency Certificate of Excellence – 2014 to Present
Government Finance Officers Association
Fiscal Years ended June 30, 2006 to Present
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (2021 results)
- 1 of 2 Park Districts in California
- 1 of 76 Park Districts in United States
- 1 of 77 Special Districts in California
- 1 of 364 Special Districts in the United States
Government Finance Officers Association
Fiscal Years beginning July 1, 2005 to Present
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (2018 Results)
- 1 of 2 Park Districts in California
- 1of 17 Park Districts in United States
- 1 of 82 Special Districts in California
- 1 of 267 Special Districts in the United States
Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings AA Issuer Credit Rating
2019 to Present
The District was first able to obtain an A- Issuer Credit Rating in 2004. The rating increased to A+ in 2010, to AA- in 2018, and AA in 2019. Reaffirmed AA rating in 2021. One of four Park Districts in California with a rating of AA or better.
California Association for Park and Recreation Indemnity
2012 to Present
Ted Winslow Safety Award Cycles 12-18, Last Visitation July 14, 2022
2024
Sacramento Favorites (Sacramento Bee) – 2024
Voted Best Aquatics Facility/Waterpark (Silver) – Pat O’Brien Community Center/Christine Thompson Aquatic Center
Sacramento Favorites (Sacramento Bee) – 2024
Voted Best Golf Course (Bronze) – WildHawk Golf Club
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (Sierra Nevada Chapter) – 2024
Turfgrass Hall of Fame – Sam Samuelson
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (Sierra Nevada Chapter) – 2024
Turfgrass Manager of the Year – Sam Samuelson
California Park and Recreation Society (District 2) — 2024 to 2025
President – Kate Miller
2023
Sacramento Favorites (Sacramento Bee) – 2023
Voted Best Golf Course (Gold) – WildHawk Golf Club
California Park and Recreation Society (District 2)
2023 to 2024
President – Ashika Lal
California Park and Recreation Society (Statewide)
2023
- Creating Community Award of Excellence – Jack Davis Park
- Marketing & Communications Award of Excellence – Parks Make Life Better Campaign
California Park and Recreation Society (Statewide)
2023
Presidential Award – Ashika Lal
California Park and Recreation Society (Statewide)
2023
Board 100 Awards – Region 1 Fall Forum (Districts 1, 2 & 3), Ashika Lal and Kate Miller served on the planning committee
California Park and Recreation Society (Statewide)
2023
Park, Rec & Roll It Challenge – Southgate Recreation & Park District came in first place for most miles earned. Cheryl Denton first place and Vincent King seventh place for most miles earned statewide
Northern California Golf Association Celebrating Womens’ Golf Article
2023
Featuring Mandy Garcia – WildHawk Golf Club
2022
California Park and Recreation Society (District 2)
2022
Facility Design & Park Planning Award -Outdoor Fitness Court at Edwin A. Smith Community Park
County of Sacramento Environmental Management Department
2022
Food Safety Award of Excellence – WildHawk Golf Club
California Special Districts Association
2022
Exceptional Public Outreach and Advocacy Award – The Southgate Chronicles
California Association of Recreation and Park Districts
2022
Award of Outstanding Innovation – The Southgate Chronicles
Golfdom Underdog Calendar Cover
2022
Featuring Molly (Sam Samuelson owner) – WildHawk Golf Club
2021
Sierra Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association
2021, 2005
Distinguished Member of the Year – Sam Samuelson, CGCS, WildHawk Golf Club
Professional Golfers Association Northern California
2021
Public Merchandiser of the Year – Paul Henderson, PGA, WildHawk Golf Club
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento
2021
Outstanding Community Partner
Partnership for Quality Living, Hall of Honor
2021
“Exceptional Leadership Award” – Larry R. Gury (Southgate General Manager 1995-1998)
2020
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (Sierra Nevada Chapter)
2020
Distinguished Member of the Year – Sam Samuelson
California Parks and Recreation Society (District 2)
2020
Facility Design & Park Planning Award –“Pat O’Brien Community Center, New Aquatic Center, and Scott Hokama Support Facility”
California Parks and Recreation Society (District 2)
2020
Recreation & Community Program Award – “Walk with Ease”
California Association of Recreation and Park Districts
2020
Award of Outstanding New Facility –“Pat O’Brien Community Center, New Aquatic Center, and Scott Hokama Support Facility”
California Association of Recreation and Park Districts
2020
Award of Outstanding Innovative Program – “Walk with Ease”
2016–2018
Sacramento Environmental Commission
2018
Outstanding Environmental Leadership –“Florin Creek Park Multi-Use Flood Control Basin Project”
California Association of Recreation and Park Districts
2018
Outstanding Renovated Facility by Large District – “Florin Creek Park Multi-Use Flood Control Basin Project”
California Parks and Recreation Society (District 2)
2018
Recreation & Community Program Award – “Florin Creek Park Multi-Use Flood Control Basin Project and Programs”
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (Sierra Nevada Chapter)
2017
President’s Grassroots Award – Sam Samuelson
American Society of Civil Engineers Region 9
2017
Outstanding Sustainable Engineering Project – “Florin Creek Park Multi-Use Flood Control Basin Project”
Jack Davis Park Community Empowerment Project
2017 – 2023
Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency, Kaiser Permanente, KaBOOM! Playground, Sacramento Kings Foundation Basketball Court, Habitat for Humanity Projects, Sacramento County and Supervisor Phil Serna, Fruitridge Community Collaborative and South Oak Park Community Association. Community Handball Court Mural added in 2019 and fence mural added in 2023
California Parks and Recreation Society (District 2)
2017
Agency Showcase Marketing Award – “District Facility Marketing Plan”
American Society of Civil Engineers (Sacramento Section)
2016
Outstanding Sustainable Project of the Year – “Florin Creek Park Multi-Use Flood Control Basin Project”
44th Avenue Cul-de-Sac Pop-Up Park
2016
California Sierra Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy, SacDOT, Caltrans, Franklin Boulevard Neighborhood Development Corporation, and Martin Luther King Neighborhood Association
2009–2014
“Best of Elk Grove” Award for Best Public Golf Courses in Elk Grove Area
2009-2014
WildHawk Golf Club
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
2014
Leo Feser Award for “Fear and Loathing and the ADA” Article –Sam Samuelson and Jim Ferrin
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (Sierra Nevada Chapter)
2012
President’s Grassroots Award – Sam Samuelson
California Association of Public Information Officers
2012
Award of Excellence in Communications for Website
California Parks and Recreation Society (Statewide)
2012
Champion of the Community Award – Board Member Edd Smith
California Parks and Recreation Society (District 2)
2012
Champion of the Community Award – Board Member Edd Smith
California Parks and Recreation Society (District 2)
2012
Agency Showcase Marketing Award – District Website
California School-Age Consortium
2012
Afterschool Champion Award
Golf & Lifestyle Magazine
2010
- Best Value (Bang for your Buck) – WildHawk Golf Club
- 3rd Best Bloody Mary – WildHawk Grille at WildHawk Golf Club
- 3rd Best General Manager – Paul Henderson, WildHawk Golf Club
Parkway Estates Neighborhood Assn. Community Award for Outstanding Service
2010
Maintenance of Sky Park and New Gazebo
2003–2008
California Parks and Recreation Society (District 2)
2008
Agency Showcase Marketing Award – The “Southgator” publication
KCRA 3 A-List
2008
3rd Best Golf Course – WildHawk Golf Club
Golf Digest
2008 – Present
3.5 out of 5 rating – WildHawk Golf Club
Sacramento Tree Foundation Tree Hero
2007
Austin B. Carroll Award
California Association of Recreation & Park Districts Award of Distinction
2007
Best Innovative Program – “R.E.C. Van” (mobile recreation program)
California Parks and Recreation Society (Statewide)
2005
Award of Excellence – “Golf With Attitude” Marketing Campaign
South Sacramento County Visions
2005
South Sacramento Community Leadership Award
Sacramento Magazine Best of Sacramento
2003
Public Golf Course – WildHawk Golf Club
Super League of Soccer
Award for Great Contribution to the Community
1995–1998
California Special Districts Association
1998
General Manager of the Year – Larry R. Gury
California Parks and Recreation Society (Statewide)
1998
Award of Excellence in Facility Design – Florin History Community Center
Lemon Hill Circle Program
1997
Special Recognition Award
California Parks and Recreation Society (Statewide)
1997
Award of Excellence for Special Program Brochure – Poster (Second Place)
California Special Districts Association
1995
Board Member of the Year – Robert D. Cochran
1980–1984
California Park and Recreation Society (District 2)
1983 to 1984
President – John P. Flohr
California Parks and Recreation Society (Statewide)
1983
State President’s Award for Outstanding Service in Legislative Arena – Pat O’Brien
California Parks and Recreation Society (District 2)
1983
Technical Merit Award for Microcomputer Technology – John P. Flohr
California Park and Recreation Society (District 2)
1980 to 1981
President – Bob Thomas
1969–1979
California Parks and Recreation Society (District 2)
1979
Citizen of the Year Award – Board Member Robert D. Cochran
California Park and Recreation Society (District 2)
1975 to 1976
President – Bob Overstreet
California Park and Recreation Society (District 2)
1973 to 1974
President – Charlie Hoefer
California Park and Recreation Society (District 2)
1969 to 1970
President – Robert Wyckoff