Quality of Life
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According to the National Recreation and Park Association, America’s local and regional public park agencies generated nearly $140 billion in economic activity and supported almost 1 million jobs from their operations and capital spending alone in 2013. Texas contributed to over $6.3 million in economic activity transactions, $2.4 million in labor income, and created 51,190 jobs.
While serving as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and employed as a Landscape Architect Assistant II for TXDOT, Steve Patton structured his ideas for the future of the parks in Odessa into a plan of action and visited with then Mayor, Lorraine Perryman. The City of Odessa Parks and Recreation Department did not have a Director at that time, and Mayor Perryman challenged Steve to put his plan into action and apply for the position. Twenty five years later and over $35 million in improvements, the Parks and Recreation Department and Ratliff Ranch Golf Links is a system of parks that undeniably enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Odessa. The Parks system is comprised of over 555 developed acres, 400 undeveloped acres, 36 park sites and 18-hole Ratliff Ranch Golf Links. Steve's creative passion and vision for the City of Odessa is reflected in the state-of-the art equipment, planning, and design for Odessa's Parks and Recreational Programs and events.
Envisioning the Future of Odessa, One Park at a Time
A Q & A with Steve Patton, Parks and Recreation Director
Passion, Parks, and Patton RE
Q & A with Steve Patton
Parks and Recreation Director