July is Parks and Recreation month and as part of the celebrations, County Parks and Recreation invited members of the community to vote for a Champion. A volunteer who makes a real difference.

Four nominees from around the county made it through the online voting system to be invited to San Diego for an awards ceremony where the 2016 Parks and Recreation Champion was announced.

Yolandi Jooste

Jim Wilson with his fellow nominees. Naomi McLean, Terry Ann Larson & Joan Kindle

The nominee needed to be a resident who 'keep our parks clean, safe, fun and rewarding' according to the requirements, "a docent, someone who teaches workshops on nature, or a mover and shaker in a park district" most of all it had to be someone the community felt deserved to be recognized.

Jim Wilson was Borrego Springs choice and he turned out to be the right choice. As winner of the award and crowned 2016 Parks and Recreation Champion, he receives his trophy and two nights of free camping in a cabin at one of six San Diego County campgrounds.

More importantly, he receives the thanks and appreciation of his peers, community and visitors.

Congratulations to Jim Wilson, a worthy competitor and deserving winner.

Read more in the next issue of the Borrego Sun.