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Return of the Rec Kids
Stories from the Valley:Episode 3

Promotional graphic titled ‘Return of the Rec Kids’ displayed in large turquoise letters against a dark, starry, outer-space background. Four circular photos surround the text: at the top left, a photo of the ‘Indio’ city sign with palm trees; at the top right, an older man and woman smiling while holding a black-and-white photo; at the bottom left, a youth playing basketball in a gym; and at the bottom right, a male recreation staff member holding a basketball and wearing a Desert Recreation District shirt. The overall design suggests a fun, nostalgic return theme connected to recreation programs and community activities.

As Desert Recreation District closes out an unforgettable year celebrating 75 years of service, we’re excited to share the final installment of our Stories from the Valley video series: Return of the Rec Kids.

Set in Indio, California, this short film brings the spotlight back to where so many DRD memories were made. With deep roots in the city and three active recreation locations, Indio has long been home to generations of Rec Kids. In this episode, Rec Kids of all ages reflect on what DRD – and Indio - mean to them, how recreation shaped their childhoods, and why these community spaces continue to matter today.

Return of the Rec Kids is a love letter to connection, belonging, and the lasting impact of recreation. It honors the past while celebrating the voices that will carry DRD into the future.

Click below to watch other videos in the series:
Finding Jerry Rummonds
Greetings from North Shore

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Desert Recreation District Announces New GM
Dr. Gabriel Martin Joins the DRD Team

Photo of Gabriel Martin

Gabriel Martin, whose career has centered on service to residents, strengthening community partnerships, and building inclusive programs and places that bring people together.  Throughout his career, he has worked closely with parks and community services teams, overseeing cross-department initiatives, facilities planning, and partnerships to expand access to safe, high-quality recreation. He brings a proven track record of leading teams and collaborating with city, county, nonprofit, and private partners to enhance quality of life across diverse communities.

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Elevate Your Every Day: Art & Music
4th Video in Series

Elevate Your Every Day: Art & Music

Our fourth installment of Elevate Your Every Day shines a spotlight on the Arts & Music activities offered through Desert Recreation District—and the many ways these creative outlets enrich our lives.

We provide a wide variety of opportunities for those interested in exploring their artistic side. Learn to play guitar, take piano lessons, or discover the joy of visual expression in one of our art programs. If movement inspires you, we also offer dance classes ranging from ballet to belly dancing to Salsa.

Elevate Your Every Day Logo. The word “ELEVATE” in bold black and orange letters, with the letter “A” formed by an upward-pointing arrow. Below it, a bright orange rectangle contains the phrase “YOUR EVERY DAY” in white hand-drawn lettering.

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Palm Desert’s Skatepark
At Civic Center Park

Palm Desert’s Skatepark

Palm Desert’s Skatepark in Civic Center Park is the perfect spot to skate. DRD’s Skateboarding instructor Leslie Rodriguez tells us all about this park. There are Advanced and a Beginner sections of the park and it is well lit at night, perfect for skating when the sun goes down. Let’s skate!

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Lifeguards Needed!
Ready to make a splash?

Lifeguards Needed

Applicants must:

Be age 16 or older.

Possess strong swimming skills.

Pass the American Red Cross Lifeguard course.

 

Pre-Qualification Workshops Every Saturday
12pm-1pm
Fritz Burns Pool in La Quinta

Lifeguard Courses held:
April 16-18 Cathedral City High Pool
April 23-25 Pawley Pool
April 25-27 Pawley Pool
May 16-18 Pawley Pool

Course fee: $250, scholarships available