The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE SERVICE OF ROBERT DOYLE
______
HON. MARK DeSAULNIER
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 25, 2021
Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with Congressman Mike Thompson, Congressman Jerry McNerney, Congressman Eric Swalwell, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congressman Ro Khanna to recognize the service of an esteemed leader in Contra Costa County, Robert Doyle.
Robert began his career with the East Bay Regional Park District in 1973 as a Park Ranger. Through decades of hard work and devotion to the betterment of our community, Robert rose through the ranks of the Park District until being appointed as General Manager in 2010. His numerous professional accomplishments include increasing the Park District's public lands and trails by more than 61,000 acres and obtaining over
$100 million in local, state, and federal grant funding for trail and land projects. Robert also established the Resources Enhancement Mitigation Program that funded millions of dollars in restoration projects for parks and open space.
Robert's work, however, went beyond the logistics of land acquisition and was focused around the idea that parks should be a haven for everyone in the community. As General Manager, Robert led efforts to diversify the Park District's user base to better embrace disadvantaged youth and other underserved populations. Civic engagement was supported by a Multicultural Advisory Committee and included programs such as the Adventure Crew/Richmond Rangers, Wellness Walks, and the school-based Kids Healthy Outdoor Challenge. Additionally, the Healthy Parks Health People initiative sought to connect the health benefits of being outdoors with individuals at high risk for chronic illness. The inclusivity of the community outreach that Robert oversaw has created new links between our natural environment and community members. This increased engagement ensures that our parks and open spaces will be taken care of and enjoyed by future generations. As a testament to his remarkable career, in March 2018, Robert received the President's Award for Advocacy and Advancing the Park Profession from the California Park and Recreation Society.
In addition to his work with the Park District, Robert was a founding board member of Save Mt. Diablo, Inc. and negotiated the acquisitions of 5,000 acres for Mt. Diablo State Park. He was also a founding member of Bay Area Open Space, which advocates for environmental conservation through legislation.
Robert is known by his colleagues as a dedicated and visionary leader who inspires others to also work for the betterment of our community. We have enjoyed working with Robert and the East Bay Regional Park District on many projects, including the former Concord Naval Weapons Station and Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan. We thank Robert for his service with the East Bay Regional Park District and wish him great joy in retirement. Please join me, Congressman Mike Thompson, Congressman Jerry McNerney, Congressman Eric Swalwell, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congressman Ro Khanna in honoring Robert for his many contributions to our community.
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 36
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up