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San Ramon's parks and those that love them were honored Thursday at the annual California Parks Luncheon, held at the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville.

The California Parks and Recreation Society holds an awards program to recognize those who assist various districts to "facilitate and create community." Thirty-five cities in the two counties comprising District 3 competed for eight awards, which highlighted volunteers, professionals, and businesses, as well as outstanding facilities, parks, programs and special events.

San Ramon won four awards: outstanding volunteer, outstanding recreations program, outstanding special event and outstanding operation management.

"Great work by a very special staff of dedicated people," Mayor Bill Clarkson wrote on Facebook.

San Ramon resident Bob Fracolli was honored as an outstanding volunteer for the city's parks and recreation department while the Trailblazers hiking group, a Baby Boomer and senior hiking club, was given the distinction of outstanding recreation program.

"Bob Fracolli has been an active volunteer of the San Ramon community over the past seven years, especially when it comes to the San Ramon Olympic Pool and California High School Athletics," Fracolli's nomination form stated. "On top of countless hours volunteering at sporting events, Bob has also spearheaded the funding and purchasing of scorers' equipment, timing equipment, and a brand new scoreboard."

Camp Central, the city's full day summer program, was given the outstanding operational management award. The new program is designed to combine the convenience of an all day program with the ability to pick and choose based on changing schedules.

Screenings of the documentary "Race to Nowhere," sponsored by the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, were honored as outstanding special events. The feature-length documentary interviewed several local students who talk about the price they paid for the perfect GPA. Hundreds of parents attended screenings, which were followed by panel discussions.

Christine Mabry, Danville program supervisor and outgoing CPRS president, said the district also awarded scholarships for students and professional grants to members, as well as a lifetime achievement award for professionals who retired during the year.

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