Tim Rico , President/Chairman

​

Tim was born and raised in visalia. My first job in high school was with Visalia Parks and Recreation so I have fond memories working for the city. I am a Graduate Gemologist for Rogers Jewelry Co. In Bakersfield. My wife Connie is a teacher in Visalia and all four of my children came through the school district and played sports, many of which I coached. I feel Parks and activities are very important to the quality of life in and around Visalia.

 

 

Steve Woods, Vice President/Chairman

​

Steve has lived in Visalia since 1998, after serving in the U.S. Navy as a Nuclear Propulsion Plant Machinist Mate aboard a ballistic missile submarine. He has worked the last twenty years as an Instructional Technology Specialist for the Tulare County Office of Education, and serves as the current Chair of the Visalia Parks and Recreation Commission. His huge heart and concerns for community needs drives his passion to help our community. He is a past winner of the Fromage Frolic Grilled Cheese Competition and is looking forward to competing again.     

 

 

 

 

​

 

Lisa Walsh, Secretary - Interim Director

Lisa grew up in northern Illinois, she moved to Visalia in 2014 with her husband Chris, daughter Vanessa, and son Jacob. She and her family love adventure and visiting National, State, and local Parks.  She is a Regional Buyer/Inventory Management specialist for Hydrite Chemical Co, for whom she has worked for the past 22 years. Her company encourages community involvement and that allows her to follow her passion. She participated in the Leadership Visalia class of 2016-2017 and her class project was to build a garden for the Visalia Senior Center. After graduation from the class in 2017 she was invited to join the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Visalia Community Enhancement Foundation Board. She also actively participates in the Tulare Workforce Investment Advisory Board, South Valley Industrial Collaborative a next Gen Sector Partnership, The TKCCC Tulare Kings County College and Career Collaborative,  and holds a seat on the Visalia Economic Development Corporation Board. 

​

 

 

 

 

Elia Havner, Treasurer

​

Migrated from Portugal over 55 years ago. 1st job was working for a Crocker bank right out of high school and have been in banking ever since. My husband Gary is a state employee for department of correction. My son Justin and I spent a lot of time at the park when he was younger. He made a lot of friends during the summer at the park. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Board of Directors

​

Kristine Herd

​

Kathy Falconer

​

William Hitchman

​

Curtis Daugherty

​

Laura Hernandez

​

Christie Long

 

Advisory Board

 

Paul Olsen 

​

Emeritus Board

​

Carol Hoppert-Hays

​

​

​

Memorial: 

Michael Alvarez,  President/Chairman 2018-2022

 

Michael was born in Southern California city of Torrance, graduated from North Torrance High school. Moved up to the City of Visalia in 2007. Michael is a full time professional photographer while also stringing for the Gannett News (Visalia Times Delta/Tulare Advance Register) he also worked for Mikes Quality Camera until they went into retirement and closed shop. Michael has also sat on the Arts Consortium board of directors and still currently sitting on the Board of CAB (Community Advisory Board) with Valley PBS as well as El Diamante High School Academy of Media Arts where he holds Advisory Chairperson. Michael also owns his own photography studio in Visalia

​

Passed Away  July 24, 2022