Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District’s Regional Park has a new name – Larry Minor Regional Park.

The Valley-Wide Board of Directors voted unanimously on Monday, April 20, to rename the San Jacinto park in honor of the longtime Board Member and community leader.

Minor, who passed away in June, served on the Valley-Wide Board for 22 years and was a leader in the development of the Recreation and Park District to increase the quality of life in the community. As a member of the Valley-Wide Board, like all other members, Minor took no compensation for his services, which is not the norm for a public elected official. Minor’s top priority as a member of the Board was the children in our community; and as the District grew and new parks were built, Minor was leading the charge to ensure ball fields would be added to provide more places for children to play.

In 1989, the Minor family donated funds for the gym floor in the new Sport Center. From sponsorships and grass for sports fields, to fundraisers and bicycles for kids at Christmas time, Larry and the Minor family have been cheerleaders and leaders for our District and our community.

The park, at 901. W. Esplanade Avenue, is Valley-Wide’s first, dating back to 1977. It covers 36 acres and is home to the District Office and the Sport Center/Michael Paul Gymnasium. There are seven ballfields, six soccer fields, six tennis courts, six horseshoe pits, one basketball court, a fitness trail, four play areas and three picnic areas.