Mission Viejo staff member named President of California Park and Recreation Society

Mission Viejo Community Services Manager Lydie Gutfeld was elected president of the California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS), a nonprofit association of nearly 4,000 members. 

CPRS is a professional and public interest organization with 86 percent of parks and recreation agencies in California boasting members and 175 park and recreation agencies involved.  The society works to advance the park and recreation profession through education, networking, resources and advocacy.

Lydie, who has worked for Mission Viejo for four years, is a natural for the post.

"Lydie is a strong advocate for parks and recreation, and this leadership role is a perfect fit for her," said Recreation and Community Services Director Mark Nix.  "She is goal-oriented and will assist not only Mission Viejo but other agencies throughout the state in providing quality recreational opportunities and experiences for residents. Since joining our team, she has been instrumental in expanding programs and opportunities here in Mission Viejo, and there are no signs of her slowing down."

In Mission Viejo, Lydie manages the Recreation Division which oversees programming at the City's two recreation and fitness centers and two tennis centers.  She has been involved with the reopening of the Marguerite Aquatics Complex, adding family events and fitness programs in facilities and neighborhood parks, staff development and advocating for people with special needs through the new Special Needs Adaptive Programming initiative. 

Lydie has been involved in parks and recreation for more than 15 years and has a degree in child and adolescent development and a master's degree in public administration-human resources from California State University, Fullerton. She has held other leadership roles within CPRS as well as Women in Leisure Services (WILS).