About Us
About Us
For 70 years, Desert Recreation District (the District) has played a key role in enriching the quality of life for residents and visitors through the recreational services we offer in the Greater Coachella Valley. We cover over 1,800 square miles and provide recreational services to more than 380,000 residents, in part by working with municipalities in a collective effort to assure equitable service delivery to every community regardless of economic means. The District boundary has expanded in recent years to provide barrier-free, safe services to more unincorporated areas of the Coachella Valley and municipalities not previously served.
The District is the largest park and recreation district in California, and we manage, maintain and assist in maintaining over 30 parks and recreation facilities; we create and deliver quality programs, services and classes; and, we facilitate leisure opportunities through partnerships with private and public agencies and entities as we strive to ensure members of the public receive personal benefits such as physical fitness, relaxation and revitalization; social benefits in the form of stronger and healthier families and enriching the lives for persons with disabilities, and economic benefits through more productive and healthier citizens and increased tourism.
We Are Community
Our Vision, Mission and Values are at the heart and soul of the District. We are committed to serving our residents by providing quality programs, services and facilities that promote an active, healthy lifestyle for all.
Mission
Desert Recreation District’s mission is to enrich the quality of life for Coachella Valley residents by acquiring, developing, operating and maintaining a community-focused parks and recreation system and preserving it for future generations.
Vision
Through a community collaborative approach the District will be the regional provider of premier parks and recreation services in the Coachella Valley. Ensuring all residents have equitable and barrier-free opportunities that contribute to the overall wellness of our communities.
Values - Parks and Recreation Done R.I.T.E.
- Respect – Mutual understanding and equal consideration of others.
- Integrity – Consistently doing the right thing.
- Teamwork - Working together to achieve a common goal.
- Excellence – Continuously striving for perfection.
We have a plan for moving forward. Find out how the District will achieve its most ambitious goals and objectives over the next three to five years. DRD Strategic Plan
District Professional Memberships
Additional Recreation Resources For The Coachella Valley
Riverside County Parks and Open Space
District - www.RivcoParks.org
Desert Healthcare District – www.dhcd.org
Coachella Valley Radio Control Club - www.cvrcclub.com
Districts Make the Difference - http://districtsmakethedifference.org/home
DRD Board of Directors
The board meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month with the closed session at 5:30 p.m. and the regular session follows at 6 p.m. at the Indio Community Center, 45-871 Clinton Street in Indio. The public is encouraged to attend and to provide input on facilities and program needs.
Desert Recreation Foundation
Desert Recreation Foundation works behind the scenes to ensure that all residents in the Coachella Valley have access to quality recreational resources, facilities, parks, and programs that serve today’s needs and those for generations to come.
Operating as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Desert Recreation Foundation:
We Are Team DRD!
DRD is an outgoing, active, energetic group of professionals, team members and volunteers. From all the volunteers to our valued Board of Directors members, each person contributes his and her special talents and experiences to help enrich the lives of District residents. Over the years, our commitment to integrity, teamwork, accessibility and excellence have resulted in numerous awards. We’ve also been honored to work closely with numerous world-class organizations such as the Disney Institute, Ken Blanchard Companies, American Red Cross and The First Tee.
Partner with Desert Recreation District
There are many ways you can be part of the community!