The city of Santa Clarita walked away a winner with the California Park and Recreation Society 2007-08 Creating Community Award of Distinction, which is given to only one city in California.

The city received the honor on Feb 29 at theCPRS Installation Banquet held in Long Beach.

Santa Clarita was awarded the Creating Community Award of Distinction for strengthening the city's safety, security and image. It was also honoredfor displaying commitment to strategic action and new direction.

The city's Graffiti Task Force also won the Neighborhood and Community Life Award for attacking the problem of graffiti as a community, in addition to the coveted Creating Community Award of Distinction.

The city's Camp Clarita won the Agency Showcase Award for the originality and inventiveness of the camp's Web site.

Laura Hauser, chair of the city's parks, recreation and community cervices commission, Commissioner Ed Redd and Recreation Administrator Jodi Jones accepted the three awards on behalf of the city.

The California Park and Recreation Society's Awards Program recognizes excellence of the agencies and individuals that publicize, develop and manage programs, parks and facilities.

They award those that embody and embrace the core values of the profession, respond to trends and market opportunities, move toward a stronger role in the community, promote participation and strengthen community image and sense of place.