About Us

Desert Recreation District (DRD) is the largest park and recreation district in California, covering 1,887 square miles and serving over 432,000 residents across the greater Coachella Valley. Our mission is to work closely with municipalities to ensure that every community, regardless of economic status, has access to quality recreation services. DRD manages and maintains more than 49 parks and recreation facilities, offering a wide range of programs, services, and classes designed to enrich the lives of our residents.

We believe in the power of partnerships, collaborating with public, private, and nonprofit organizations to create opportunities for leisure, fitness, and community engagement. Our work is dedicated to promoting physical health, relaxation, and revitalization; fostering strong families and supporting individuals with disabilities; and enhancing the overall vibrancy of our community. By contributing to healthier lifestyles, a sense of belonging, and increased tourism, DRD plays an essential role in the economic and social well-being of the region.

District Formation Documents

We Are Community

Our Vision, Mission and Values are at the heart and soul of the District. We are committed to serving our residents by providing quality programs, services and facilities that promote an active, healthy lifestyle for all.

Mission 

Desert Recreation District enhances residents’ quality of life by creating, maintaining, and preserving community focused recreation facilities and programs.

Vision 

Desert Recreation District’s vision is to create a community where everyone has access to inclusive, innovative, and high-quality recreation facilities and programs that support health, connection, and well-being. 

Values - Together we S.T.R.I.V.E. to serve our community and each other. 
  • Support – We S.T.R.I.V.E. to empower individuals and communities to thrive.
  • Teamwork – We S.T.R.I.V.E. to collaborate and build trust to achieve shared goals.
  • Respect – We S.T.R.I.V.E. to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued.
  • Integrity – We S.T.R.I.V.E. to act with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
  • Value – We S.T.R.I.V.E. to maximize resources for meaningful community impact.
  • Excellence – We S.T.R.I.V.E. to improve and innovate for outstanding results. 

We have a plan for moving forward. Find out how the District will achieve its most ambitious goals and objectives over the next three to five years.

DRD Strategic Plan
District Professional Memberships 
Regulatory Agencies (LAFCO) 
The image features a green logo with stylized palm trees and the text "Riverside LAFCO." It represents local government services.

Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCOs) are state-mandated regulatory agencies established by the Legislature in 1963. LAFCOs were created to help implement State policy of encouraging orderly growth and development through the regulation of local public agency boundaries. This daunting task requires each Commission to balance the development required for a growing population with the competing State interests of discouraging urban sprawl, preserving agricultural resources and open space and extending government services efficiently. Each of California’s 58 counties has a LAFCO, however, they are independent of county government. Riverside LAFCO generally has jurisdiction over changes in boundaries of local agencies (cities and special districts) within Riverside County. 

Information on Municipal Service Reviews & Other Studies

Municipal Service reviews were added to LAFCOs mandate with the passage of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg (CKH) Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 A service review is a comprehensive study designed to better inform LAFCO, local agencies, and the community about the provision of municipal services. Service reviews attempt to capture and analyze information about the governance structures and efficiencies of service providers and to identify opportunities for greater coordination and cooperation between providers. The service review is a prerequisite to a Sphere of Influence update and may also lead a LAFCO to take other actions under its authority.

Upon completing the service reviews, the Commission must make determinations on each of the following issues:

  • Growth and population projections for the affected area.
  • The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence.
  • Present and planned capacity of public facilities, adequacy of public services, and infrastructure needs or deficiencies including needs or deficiencies related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, and structural fire protection in any disadvantaged, unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence.
  • Financial ablility of agencies to provide services.
  • Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities.
  • Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational efficiencies.
  • Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by commission policy.

 

Please review the most recent MSR below.  Desert Recreation District begins on page 33.

2023 Recreation & Park Districts MSR-SOI Report

 

For more information,  please visit the Riversiade LAFCO website HERE.

Additional Recreation Resources For The Coachella Valley 

Riverside County Parks and Open Space District - Website

Desert Healthcare District – Website

Coachella Valley Radio Control Club - Website

Districts Make the Difference - Website

Coachella Valley Horse Rescue - Website

First Tee Coachella Valley /Coachella Valley Youth Golf Foundation - Website

Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy -  Website

Desert Recreation Foundation - Website