Press release from Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District:
SAN JACINTO – After 14 years of leadership at Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District and a 35-year career in public service, General Manager Dean Wetter has announced his retirement effective this May.
“We are sad to see Dean go; however, we are fully supportive of his well-deserved decision,” Valley-Wide Board of Directors President Jan B. Bissell said. “Dean has provided Valley-Wide with extraordinary leadership, commitment, and stability, making a lasting impact on our mission and culture.”
Wetter has overseen tremendous growth in the district, which provides recreation and park services to residents in Aguanga, French Valley, Hemet, Menifee, San Jacinto and Winchester. Valley-Wide is one of the largest recreation and park districts in California.
Wetter grew up in Hemet and worked for Valley-Wide from 1991 to 1994. He later worked in the water industry and public works before Valley-Wide hired him as general manager in 2012. Wetter credits the District’s accomplishments to the dedication of the entire Valley-Wide team.
“Our employees are driven by a strong commitment to public service,” Wetter stated. “Their sense of ownership ensures that every visitor has a positive experience at our facilities.”
Matthew Duarte, Executive Director of California Association for Park and Recreation Indemnity (CAPRI) and the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD), and a former Valley-Wide Board Director, said Wetter’s leadership will be missed.
“Dean Wetter has set the standard for what it means to lead a Park District, blending professional expertise with integrity and character that has made Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District a model of excellence for the entire state,” Duarte said. “I know the Valley-Wide staff and board are prepared to carry his torch forward and will continue to build communities that reflect the high standards Dean has established.”
During Wetter’s tenure, Valley-Wide prioritized the modernization of its facilities to keep pace with regional growth. A key pillar of the District’s recent operations has been environmental sustainability. Under a collective effort to improve resource management, Valley-Wide was recognized by the Metropolitan and Eastern Municipal water districts for its transition from using drinking water to recycled water for landscape irrigation.
In addition to local operations, the District has maintained a presence in statewide advocacy. Wetter served as President of the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD), CAPRI, and was a founding member of the Special District Association of Riverside County chapter.
“Beyond the District boundaries, Dean’s service on association boards has inspired leaders across California and he leaves an enduring legacy on the profession that extends to every corner of our state,” Duarte said.
Wetter said it has been an honor of a lifetime to serve the residents of the District.
“I am proud of the work our Board and team have done to ensure that parks remain a vital pillar of the community where residents can gather and grow,” he said.
The Valley-Wide Board of Directors is working on a transition plan. Details will be released in the coming weeks. The new leader will be just the sixth general manager in the 54 years that Valley-Wide has served the community.
