Anoka County Press Release

 
Anoka County Parks Director Honored 

Anoka County Parks and Recreation Director John VonDeLinde has been named recipient of the Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award given annually by the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA). It is the highest professional award given by MRPA and honors professionals who have provided “long and outstanding service to the parks and recreation field.” VonDeLinde, who has been the county’s parks and recreation director since 1994, was formally recognized for his achievement at the January 22 Anoka County board meeting.

Since becoming director, VonDeLinde has overseen the acquisition of more than 1,500 acres of parkland, administered the planning and establishment of a regional trail system in Anoka County, secured $25 million in grant-related park and trail improvements and $6 million in enterprise fund improvements, introduced a natural resources management program, and coordinated two comprehensive park and open spaces system updates and 15 park master plan updates.

“Under John’s leadership, the Anoka County Parks system has become one of the largest and most heavily-used systems in the entire state,” said Anoka County Commissioner Dick Lang, who chairs the county’s Parks and Recreation Committee. “Anoka County parks give residents the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities-hiking, canoeing, camping, swimming, and more.”

The award VonDeLinde received is named for Clifton E. French, the first superintendent of the Hennepin County Park Reserve District.

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Anoka County Parks Director John VonDeLinde was recognized at the January 22 Anoka County Board meeting for receiving the Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award. From left: Anoka County Commissioners Scott LeDoux and Dick Lang; VonDeLinde; Anoka County Commissioners Dennis Berg and Jim Kordiak; and Jon Olson, Anoka County Public Services Division Manager.

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page last updated - 01/30/2008

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