Santee’s Recreation Manager Takes On Leadership Role

Santee’s Recreation Services Manager Sue Richardson was installed this week as president of the San Diego/Imperial County’s district of the California Park and Recreation Society.

Sue Richardson, Recreation Services Manager

The statewide professional development organization allows park and recreation officials to exchange ideas and gain knowledge on how to better serve the needs of their communities.

Richardson has worked for the city of Santee’s Community Services Department since 2004. She oversees the city’s recreation division that provides classes, summer camps and programs for all ages. The division is also responsible for management of Woodglen Vista Skate and BMX park, Santee Teen Center at the Lakes, facility rentals, and special events.

She also serves as a staff liaison to the Santee Park and Recreation Committee and has worked on projects including the development of Town Center Community Park, the Park and Recreation Master Plan, Mast Park Master Plan, school joint use agreement committees, and the development of dog parks in Santee. 

Sue began her career at the El Cajon Recreation Department while earning her degree in Recreation Administration from San Diego State University. Following college, she worked at (then) N.A.S. Miramar Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation, where she coordinated alcohol-free recreation programs and events for enlisted service members. She was promoted to Director of Leisure Services and assisted with the department transition into Marine Corps Community Services as part of the base realignment. She is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional through the National Recreation and Park Association and holds a graduate degree from California State University East Bay in Recreation and Tourism.

According to Richardson, her greatest joys in working in the recreation field is being able to offer programs that teach new skills and contribute to healthy lifestyles, being able to contribute to projects that get people outdoors, such as Santee’s River Park trails along the San Diego River, and working with professionals at other agencies and within the Santee community.