Jim Meredith After nearly three decades with Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, board member James Meredith has stepped down.

First elected to the board in 1982, Meredith is known as “Mr. Parks and Rec” by many residents. He served as board chair seven times, most recently in 2008.

His retirement, which comes in the final year of his current term, is due to an illness.

Elaine Freeman, current board chair, said Meredith’s commitment to the district has left a lasting and positive impact on the community.

“I thank Jim for every ounce of effort and caring that he has expended over the last 30 years,” said Freeman, who’s served with Meredith for the past seven years. “His departure doesn’t just leave big shoes to fill—it leaves a crater, and he will be sorely missed.”

In 1988, six years into his tenure on the board, Meredith was asked by a local newspaper reporter to explain his role as director.

“We’re the heartbeat of the community, responding to its needs,” Meredith said.

Colleen Janssen, marketing and community outreach specialist for the district, said that one statement encapsulates Meredith’s philosophy—one that’s always been focused on the community.

During Meredith’s time on the board, the park district has seen tremendous growth. The district’s budget has increased from $3.5 million to $16 million, 303 acres of parkland have been developed and an additional 3,820 acres of land have been acquired in order to be protected.

All told, the district has added 37 parks to the system and 11 after-school clubs since Meredith was first elected.

Mayor Pro Tem Glen Becerra said at a council meeting earlier this month that Meredith should be commended for his 27 years of service to the community.

“His fingerprints are all over this town,” Becerra said.

Meredith extended his involvement in parks and recreation beyond the local level, assuming leadership roles in organizations such as the Ventura County Special District Association, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Board Liaison Committee, the California Special District’s Association and a branch of the National Recreation and Park Association. In addition, he served on the state board of the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts.

Meredith has also been active in local sports and community service organizations, including youth baseball and football, Kiwanis Club and Disabled American Veterans.

As a former professional baseball player, Meredith knew firsthand the importance of outdoor venues for play and leisure.

“His virtue is that he’s understood that parks and recreational activities improve the quality of life for everyone,” said park district Manager Larry Peterson. “Jim has always stated that parks benefit children and families, increase property values and decrease crime and obesity by providing healthy and active lifestyle alternatives.”

A former U.S. Postal Service employee, Meredith and his wife, Amy, have been married for more than 50 years. They have five children and numerous grandchildren.

The park district board of directors decided at its Jan. 7 meeting to fill the remaining months of Meredith’s term by appointment.

For more information on the procedure for applying for the open board position, call the district at (805) 584-4407 or visit www.rsrpd.org/admin/jobs.html.

The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 12.