Chandler staff, ostrich recognize National Parks and Rec Month

National Parks and Recreation Month was recognized by Mayor Kevin Hartke, the Chandler City Council and city staff — and by a stuffed animal.

Community Services Director John Sefton brought that stuffed animal, Ollie the Ostrich, to a Chandler City Council study session, taking a photo with Councilmember Jennifer Hawkins, city staff and Mayor Hartke.

Ollie, when spotted at a city recreation facility in July, was photographed by recreation users who were entered into a weekly prize drawing.

The promotion was meant to both recognize staff and volunteers and encourage the public to make use of city Parks and Recreation facilities, such as swimming pools, the Tumbleweed Recreation Center and five other indoor centers, during National Parks and Recreation Month.

Chandler also maintains a te