The ACRA board is still in the process of creating their strategic plan, which includes deciding whether the agency will hold park properties or just provide services on properties held by other entities. Towner-Yep says the final policy will likely be a hybrid of both property owner and service provider, as demonstrated by the agency’s recent decision to acquire the Sutter Creek Lion’s Park property. On the other hand, the agency decided not to take ownership of 30-acres on Jackson Creek that was recently proposed to be set aside for watershed protection.

ACRA will need to address the issue of “open space” in their strategic plan before further consideration of properties requiring maintenance and development, as would have been the case with the Jackson Creek property. Another important decision by the board was the adoption of an Eco-Procurement Policy. This will allow ACRA to apply for various grants offered by the California Integrated Waste Management Board and could pay for materials such as recycled tires that can be used on play grounds rather than wood chips. And finally, plans are underway for the ACRA move to the Health and Human Services building on Conductor Avenue off of Ridge Road by the “Big Man.” This move will make the ACRA office ADA compliant. The move is expected to take place after Christmas.