Awards

Best of Valley AwardAs a result of the Desert Recreation District's team commitment to safety, quality and service, we have been honored with the following recognitions and awards:

Desert Magazine, "Best of the Valley" Awards 2010
Best Fitness Center awarded to Indio Community Center

California Association of Recreation & Park Districts (CARPD)
Outstanding District in the State of California, 1992
Outstanding District in the State of California, 1993
Outstanding District in the State of California, 1997
Best Electronic Presentation, 2000
Best Renovated Facility, Pawley Pool, 2002
Outstanding District in the State of California, 2002
Best Renovated Facility, La Quinta Community Center and Park, 2004

Desert Beautiful
Outstanding Contribution to Desert Beautification, 1998

California Parks & Recreation Society
Innovative Programming Award, 1997
Agency Brochure for the Fall 2008 Catalog

Inland Empire Branch of the American Public Works Association
Project of the Year for city of La Quinta, Fritz Burns Park Pool, 1999

District History

Established on December 18, 1950, as the Coachella Valley Recreation and Parkway District, we have evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of our residents.

Today, the Desert Recreation District is an award-winning agency proudly providing service second-to none for 16 Valley communities. We operate after-school programs in 37 locations serving thousands of children daily, as well as community centers, swimming pools and parks. Last year, participation in our programs exceeded 1 million.

Soap Box Derby Winner

Over the years, we have been honored to work with world-class organizations such as the Disney Institute, Ken Blanchard Companies, American Red Cross, The First Tee and the All American Soap Box Derby. We offer events like Desert Rock – free concerts featuring stars such as The Turtles, Grass Roots, Foghat, Dave Mason, Iron Butterfly and Tommy James. This year we look forward to a new relationship with the Tour de Palm Springs bike ride.

Although now 60, we will never be old. We will continue to adapt and change with the times. Unlike some, we want to be the first to try innovative programs and strive every day to be creative and unique.