ABOUT US
HRV Residents for Parks and Recreation
We are a passionate collection of residents of the Hood River Valley and we have organized this political action committee to ensure that the Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District remains strong. This collective came together to advocate for Parks and Rec and build awareness around the issues we are facing, here, at home.
This group varies in backgrounds but we are connected through recreation and our beautiful community. Whether it’s community ed programs building foundation skills, recreation programs to boost mental and physical well-being, swim lessons for safety in our river community, connection through play or exercise, trails for forest bathing, etc. Parks and Recreation is vital to us.
We believe in planning for our future. We want to be part of solutions and make a lasting impact. Past generations have made investments in our community and now it’s our turn to carry the torch. Long term future planning is fiscally responsible. Short term ‘bandaid’ fixes = costly maintenance that diverts resources from other programs.
We need your help, now! Be part of this grassroots effort and donate today. Together, we can save our pool and protect our parks. Other ways to get involved include getting one or our yard signs, volunteering with us, attending one of our events, and vote YES for the bond & levy. We can’t wait to hear from you.
Kate McBride
A life long Hood River resident, who learned to swim in the originally built HR pool. Went on to both teach swimming lessons in high school and participated on swim team. Later in life had a daughter that worked summers at what is now the recreation program at HRVPR. I use the Indian Creek Trail numerous times each week and appreciate what HRVPR does to maintain it every year.
Since retirement I've been teaching 3 to 9 year olds how to swim. I believe in investing in our community, just as my parents and grandparents have. I want all children to have an opportunity to learn to swim and participate in recreation in our community. Swimming is one activity that you can participate in your whole life.
Nancy Johanson Paul
I love watching the elementary kids take swimming lessons and trying out the rope swing while I am swimming laps at the pool. My dog and I really enjoy the Indian Creek Trail for walks and what a joy to see my young grandsons getting healthy exercise and experiencing teamwork while playing Parks and Rec soccer. I raised my kids in Hood River Valley. My oldest daughter loved participating in the community sports program, especially soccer. She feels that this experience impacted her life in a very positive way. Now I watch her two kids play soccer and enjoy seeing them get exercise and teamwork experience. I have used the trails for years for myself and our dogs. When I lap swim, I love watching the elementary kids taking swimming lessons and watching the kayakers practice their skills for their safety. My parents made it a priority to enroll me and my 3 siblings in swimming lessons to make sure we had the skills to be safe in the water. We are surrounded by water. Kids need to learn to swim!
Nancy Roach
My kids grew up having fun in the pool. Now my grandkids are doing the same - plus they practice their biking at Golden Eagle Park. I've walked the Indian Creek Trail for decades, with dogs, kids, grandkids, friends and husband. Recreation gives the kids a chance to get out, play and make friends from all over the valley. I'm committed to protecting and growing what we have.
Tina McNerthney
Avid year-round user of Hood River Valley's diverse public parks, trails and recreational offerings. You'll most often catch me and my pup rambling on the Indian Creek Trail or taking in the view at Parkdale Park. I believe investments in the pool, parks, and rec facilities and programming are vital to the health of residents of all ages and life stages and to the long-term livability of our community.
Mike Howard
Currently a board member with the Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District, I originally worked with PnR overseeing the aquatic facility. This let me understand first-hand of the health and wellness benefits provided across our community. From swimming safety for our children, to emergency training and life-skills development for our teenage staff, alongside low-impact physical fitness and social recreation for our residents. I believe that HRVPRD provides the greatest future value of any year-round resource and enhances the levels of diversity and inclusion for everyone in our county.
Chris Karlin
My wife and I walk the trails many times a week, and the pool will become even more important to us as we age into retirement. Our forebears invested in the pool over several generations. Now, it's our turn to invest in the future.
Lindsay Gott
I am a 25-year resident of Hood River and a life-long lover of water in all forms. Swimming is an important life skill that also opens new worlds for kids—whether it’s playing with friends, competing on teams, learning new sports, or enjoying family time around water—they can be active and playful and socially engaged (you can’t use screens in the water!). I am volunteering in the hopes of keeping this critical asset in our community for the next fifty years.
Eddy Patricelli
My son learned to ride his bike at Golden Eagle Park, swim at the Hood River pool, and play basketball with community ed leagues. New friends, self reliance, fun that doesn't involve a screen — Parks and Rec programs go far in shaping young lives, and building a better community. I'm motivated to ensure they march on.
Mark Zanmiller
No longer encumbered by work, I am most happy when finding ways to help in our community (along with travel and new hobbies). I was an elected on the Hood River Council for 12 years and on the HRVPRD board for 16 years before that.
Danielle Craig
After graduating from Oregon State in 2022, Dani moved to Hood River and worked at 10Speed Coffee Bar, where she developed a natural admiration for the community and locals alike. She is passionate about locals having accessible recreational amenities: a pool, walking trails, pickleball/tennis/basketball courts, and maybe even an ice-skating rink someday (she dreams).
Jeanne Juneau
Hood River has been my home for only two years, but I've spent at least half of those days at the pool! In fact, the Aquatic Center was a major factor in my decision to relocate here after retirement from a career in healthcare. I'm a lap swimmer and a water aerobics regular---it is such a gift to have this wonderful facility for exercise, social enrichment and community-building. In my view, the pool and parks system are critical for this region--from babies to seniors, we all share in the benefits of water safety, fitness and fun! The pool strengthens our community as a whole, and I look forward to many more years of splashes and smiles!