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Esperanza Rising – Community Art & Culture Series
Echoes of the Part

Flyer titled “Esperanza Rising – Community Art & Culture Series: Echoes of the Past.” Event takes place April 11, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 30600 San Diego Dr., Cathedral City, CA (Esperanza Park). The grant-funded community event celebrates the history of the Dream Homes neighborhood and brings families together through art and culture. Activities include a land acknowledgment by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Painiktem Bird Singers, cultural performances, artisan craft vendors, hands-on art activities, and food trucks. The 2026 event series also includes May 9 – Voices of the Present, September 12 – Visions of the Future, and October 10 – Together We Rise. Logos for Parks California, Arts in California Parks, Cathedral City, and Desert Recreation District appear at the bottom.

Esperanza Rising is a grant-funded community art and culture series designed to celebrate the history of the Dream Homes neighborhood, uplift resident voices, and bring families together through creative expression at Esperanza Park.

April 11, 2026 | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
30600 San Diego Dr, Cathedral City, CA

2026 Event Series:

April 11- Echoes of the Past
May 9 – Voices of the Present
September 12- Visions of the Future
October 10- Together We Rise

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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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Join our Lifeguard Team
We are hiring lifeguards for the Summer

Flyer recruiting lifeguards for Desert Recreation District. Text reads “Join Our Lifeguard Team.” Details include starting pay of $19.10 per hour, must be 16 years or older, swimming experience preferred, opportunities for free certification, and free swim tests offered Saturdays at Pawley Pool in Indio. The flyer includes photos of lifeguards supervising swimmers at a public pool, water slides, and a group of lifeguards in blue uniforms smiling together. Application information directs viewers to MyRecreationDistrict.com/employment-opportunities and includes a QR code.
Ready to make waves this summer? Join our Lifeguard Team and turn your time at the pool into something bigger:

 

Starting pay $19.10

Free certification opportunities

Flexible, fun work environment

NEW this year: You can now work at Lake Cahuilla Pool in addition to our other locations!

Not certified yet? No problem. We offer FREE swim tests every Saturday at Pawley Pool in Indio.

Grab your shades, bring your skills, and step into a role that actually matters.

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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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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