The way to San Jose - California, convention - includes related article on philanthropist Claude Ahrens

Parks & Recreation, Jan, 1994 by Jeannie Barrell

In relation to today's many complicated social issues, Mr. Ahrens said, "If we're going to leave this great country greater than we found it, we're going to have to work like we've never worked before." Proclaiming his commitment to recreation and parks, Mr. Ahrens spoke of the two biggest problems he sees in our country today, crime on the streets and drugs, and how recreation can be used in solving these problems.

"If we wipe out crime on the streets and drugs, we've got it made," Mr. Ahrens said. "And I know with what I see here today and what I'm hearing, I know it will be done."

His faith in NRPA and its Congress delegates was demonstrated when Mr. Ahrens issued a challenge to all. "I want you recreation people to go out there, organize groups, pull children off the streets, tell them that this is a great world and to do what they can to make it better."

Mr. Ahrens, a self-described "lucky old man," has chosen to give back to this world. A successful businessman dedicated to the principles of recreation and parks, Mr. Ahrens is giving back some of his "luck" and many generous donations to recreation and park causes in his own community as well as on a national level.

Stating that, "Recreation has been good to me and I'd like to give it back to recreation." Mr. Ahrens described the 45-acre community park to be built in his home town with his donation of $3.5 million. The park will be a multiuse facility, housing: eight lighted ball diamonds, basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer field, sand volleyball court, jogging trail, and swimming pool. Realizing that the center should fit a variety of community needs, Mr. Ahrens has included plans for a senior center and a pre-school for 260 children.

The National Recreation and Park Association Board of Trustees, members and staff would like to thank Mr. Ahrens for his commitment and generosity.

We have accepted his challenge and will do our best to "leave this world a better place than what we found it."