HEMET – On March 29, the Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District celebrated decades of growth and community dedication by honoring three men who have had an immeasurable impact on the district’s development. Streets within the expansive Diamond Valley Lake Community Park in Hemet now bear the names of former General Manager Sam Goepp, former Board Director Larry Minor, and current Board Vice President Nick Schouten.
The ceremony brought together residents, family, friends, and colleagues to celebrate the contributions of these longtime leaders, whose collective efforts have shaped the district into one of the largest recreation and park districts in California.
Sam Goepp was a name woven throughout the history of Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District long before this formal recognition. Serving as General Manager for 23 years, Goepp is credited with the transformational growth of the district. Arriving in 1985, Valley-Wide was a modest organization managing just one park. When he retired in 2008, the district had expanded to a staggering 35 parks and over 30 miles of streetscapes. Today, the district boasts an impressive 100 parks and facilities spread across an 800-square-mile area serving more than 275,000 residents.
During his tenure, Goepp prioritized accessibility and enhancement of recreational opportunities for the entire community. From creating public spaces that fostered connections to ensuring long-term sustainability, his vision laid the foundation for the district’s future. At the ceremony, Goepp reflected on the importance of teamwork, praising his colleagues and community members for driving the district’s evolution.
For Larry Minor, the driving force behind the creation of Diamond Valley Lake Community Park itself, the day was particularly significant. Minor spent 22 years on the Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District Board and was instrumental in elevating the quality of life in the community. His forward-thinking leadership paved the way for recreational hubs like the Diamond Valley Lake Community Park, which has become a centerpiece for the region.
The park, a sprawling 79-acre space, includes the Aquatic Center, eight lighted baseball fields, three soccer fields, a picnic area, four pickleball courts, and the Officer Lesley Zerebny First Responders Memorial Wall. Minor’s determination to create a public space that brought families and friends together was evident in every aspect of the park’s design. His contributions underscore the importance of recreational spaces in fostering community well-being.
Nick Schouten’s story is equally compelling. A board member for an extraordinary 47 years, Schouten has been at the helm through much of the district’s growth. A longtime resident of San Jacinto, Schouten is a retired dairy farmer, coach, and game official whose passion for youth sports has impacted generations in the San Jacinto Valley. His leadership stretched beyond Board meetings, as he played a pivotal role in initiating programs that benefited young people after the district’s inception in 1972.
Currently serving as Vice President of the Board, Schouten’s dedication is evident in his every endeavor. Attendees noted that his steady involvement throughout the years ensured the district’s vision of enhancing community life remained unwavering.
The street naming ceremony was not just a celebration of individual accomplishments but also an acknowledgment of the lasting legacy the three men leave behind. When speaking about Schouten, Minor, and Goepp, current Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District leaders expressed gratitude for the energy and foresight that have resulted in one of the most expansive and innovative park systems in the state.
Diamond Valley Lake Community Park, where a few of the streets are now named after these trailblazers, serves as a living testament to their collective contributions. The park is a center of activity for residents and visitors alike, hosting everything from youth soccer games to summer swim programs. It represents not just a physical space, but a community brought together by thoughtful leadership.
The ceremony remarks were filled with heartfelt memories and acknowledgments of the challenges faced and milestones achieved over the decades. Colleagues reminisced about Goepp’s dedication to building from one park to dozens, Minor’s pivotal role in visualizing and championing Diamond Valley Lake Community Park, and Schouten’s consistent devotion to youth development.
Many attendees also reflected on the enduring impact of their work. It was noted that future generations will benefit from the parks, trails, and recreational opportunities available across this remarkable district. The street names will serve not just as reminders of the individuals who dedicated their careers and time to improving public spaces, but as inspiration for others to step up in their own communities.
The celebration of these leaders reminds us that recreational spaces are more than parks and facilities; they are vital threads in the social fabric of communities. Thanks to the efforts of Goepp, Minor, and Schouten, the Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District continues to thrive—not just for today, but for countless tomorrows.
Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
