TWO LOCAL AGENCY OFFICIALS HONORED WITH STATE AWARDS.

Byline: Daily News

CASTAIC - James McCarthy, acting facilities planner, and regional recreation director Sue Goodwin, both employed by the North County Community Services Agency in Castaic, have been recognized with awards from the California Parks and Recreation Society.

At a statewide meeting held March 18 in Ontario, McCarthy was recognized with the Champion of the Community Award for his efforts to develop and preserve parks and open space, dedication to protecting the environment, volunteerism and commitment to animal rescue programs.

Goodwin received the Citation Award, given for outstanding contributions to the parks, recreation and human services professions, for establishing and promoting the countywide Healthy Parks program.

During his 21 years with the department, McCarthy has been parks project coordinator, trails coordinator, park planner and associate landscape architect. He has coordinated construction of gymnasiums, swimming pools, community centers, playgrounds, playing fields and courts and walking/equestrian pathways.

As trails coordinator, he won accolades from city, county, state and federal entities for his outstanding work in establishing, improving and extending equestrian and hiking trails in Los Angeles County, including extending the Skyline Trail to the San Bernardino County line.

Locally, McCarthy was instrumental in helping establish the 400-acre Michael D. Antonovich Open Space in the Santa Clarita Woodlands, in preserving more than 6,000 acres in the Newhall Ranch development project and in expanding the Rim of the Valley Corridor. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy has commended his efforts to preserve the Woodlands.

McCarthy also serves as director of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Booster Club board, on which he has promoted increased patrols of parks and open spaces and classes on safety and crime prevention.

As coordinator for Los Angeles County's Healthy Parks Program, Goodwin has forged partnerships with health services providers to provide services to underserved areas. She was recognized for raising the profile of parks and recreation services to promote healthy lifestyles.

Goodwin's research at Healthy Parks sites has resulted in planning based on community needs. She established Healthy Parks community forums that allow residents in surrounding communities to voice their thoughts about local park programs.