Phillip Jimenez's journey to lead Rec and Parks

Phillip Jimenez joined the Shafter Recreation and Parks District in 2014, starting as a program coordinator and working his way up to district manager. A former collegiate athlete, he exemplifies the dedication of a public servant who left his hometown only to return and make a lasting impact on the lives of countless youth, adults and seniors in the community.

After graduating from Shafter High School, Jimenez attended Southern Utah University on a football scholarship. He then transferred to Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, where he played two successful years of collegiate basketball, contributing to back-to-back Western State Conference Championships. Following this, he earned a scholarship to Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., where he played basketball while completing a degree in sports studies with an emphasis in health, physical education and recreation.

Playing sports taught him the importance of being a team player. "I was team captain for both college teams, which required a lot of behind-the-scenes work. That experience translates directly to what I do now, where so much work goes unnoticed, but it's what helps us reach the next level. Without sports, I don't know where I'd be, and I'm very thankful to have had that outlet. Sports taught me to lead by example, work hard, treat people with respect, and live by the golden rule: treat others as you'd want to be treated. I apply those lessons every day in my role as district manager."

Jimenez wears many hats. He is the president of the Kiwanis Club, a member of the Lions Club and recently completed his term on the Shafter Chamber of Commerce board. He is also the founder and president of the 746 Sports Foundation. Additionally, he spearheaded Thankful Thursday, an initiative that provides Thanksgiving meals to over 100 Shafter families in need.

He grew up playing sports through Shafter Recreation and continued until he aged out. When he had the chance to work, his first job was with the district. "This is why we say people come together to grow together. My goal is to make this one of the best recreation districts in the Central Valley."

Ensuring the district's programs remain accessible to the community is a priority for Jimenez. "As a kid, if it weren't for Angie Nelson, a former district employee, working with my mom on a payment plan, my brother and I wouldn't have had the chance to play sports. Thanks to our 746 Sports Foundation, kids now have access to reduced fees. We're also reaching out to marginalized areas to provide additional support."

Among his proudest accomplishments are increasing participation in the district's programs by 10 percent annually and The Wonderful Company Community Sports Complex. "It has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I grew up next to Rodriguez Park, where we spent most of our summers and afternoons playing baseball, basketball, football and riding our bikes with family, friends and neighborhood kids. Every child should have the opportunity to experience that. It's an essential part of the quality of life."

He added that the complex, with its extensive amenities for Shafter residents and people of all ages from surrounding areas, will be a game changer. "Until now, we've had to ask, beg and borrow facilities for kids to play, which meant scheduling practices very late to work around other organizations' programs. This complex allows us to expand our programs, schedule earlier practices, offer more practices and game opportunities, and provide access to a beautiful regional sports complex."

His vision for the future includes completing the 42-acre sports complex, staying with the recreation district until he retires and continuing to support the community as a collaborative partner. "If anybody wants to work together, my arms are always open," he said.