[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 36 (Thursday, February 25, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E173-E174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE SERVICE OF ROBERT DOYLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 2021

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with Congressman Mike 
Thompson, Congressman Jerry McNerney, Congressman Eric Swalwell, 
Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congressman Ro Khanna to recognize the 
service of an esteemed leader in Contra Costa County, Robert Doyle.
  Robert began his career with the East Bay Regional Park District in 
1973 as a Park Ranger. Through decades of hard work and devotion to the 
betterment of our community, Robert rose through the ranks of the Park 
District until being appointed as General Manager in 2010. His numerous 
professional accomplishments include increasing the Park District's 
public lands and trails by more than 61,000 acres and obtaining over 
$100 million in local, state, and federal grant funding for trail and 
land projects. Robert also established the Resources Enhancement 
Mitigation Program that funded millions of dollars in restoration 
projects for parks and open space.
  Robert's work, however, went beyond the logistics of land acquisition 
and was focused around the idea that parks should be a haven for 
everyone in the community. As General Manager, Robert led efforts to 
diversify the Park District's user base to better embrace disadvantaged 
youth and other underserved populations. Civic engagement was supported 
by a Multicultural Advisory Committee and included programs such as the 
Adventure Crew/Richmond Rangers, Wellness Walks, and the school-based 
Kids Healthy Outdoor Challenge. Additionally, the Healthy Parks Health 
People initiative sought to connect the health benefits of being 
outdoors with individuals at high risk for chronic illness. The 
inclusivity of the community outreach that Robert oversaw has created 
new links between our natural environment and community members. This 
increased engagement ensures that our parks

[[Page E174]]

and open spaces will be taken care of and enjoyed by future 
generations. As a testament to his remarkable career, in March 2018, 
Robert received the President's Award for Advocacy and Advancing the 
Park Profession from the California Park and Recreation Society.
  In addition to his work with the Park District, Robert was a founding 
board member of Save Mt. Diablo, Inc. and negotiated the acquisitions 
of 5,000 acres for Mt. Diablo State Park. He was also a founding member 
of Bay Area Open Space, which advocates for environmental conservation 
through legislation.
  Robert is known by his colleagues as a dedicated and visionary leader 
who inspires others to also work for the betterment of our community. 
We have enjoyed working with Robert and the East Bay Regional Park 
District on many projects, including the former Concord Naval Weapons 
Station and Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation 
Plan. We thank Robert for his service with the East Bay Regional Park 
District and wish him great joy in retirement. Please join me, 
Congressman Mike Thompson, Congressman Jerry McNerney, Congressman Eric 
Swalwell, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congressman Ro Khanna in 
honoring Robert for his many contributions to our community.