LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Robert Geraci upon the occasion of his
retirement after many years of dedicated service to the Onondaga County
Parks Department

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those illustrious individuals of distinguished purpose whose
lives have been committed to the pursuit of excellence and who bring
great pride to the citizens of our great State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commend Robert Geraci upon the occasion of his retirement after many
years of dedicated service as Onondaga County Commissioner of Parks; and
WHEREAS, Robert Geraci, a native of Brooklyn, New York, received
degrees from SUNY ESF (1973) and Syracuse University Maxwell School of
Management (1999); and
WHEREAS, Prior to joining the Onondaga County Parks Department, he
served in environmental education roles with New York City and Atlanta
Parks; and
WHEREAS, In 1978, Robert Geraci began his long and successful tenure
with the Onondaga County Parks Department by serving as Director of
Beaver Lake Nature Center, where he initiated many new programs and the
Golden Harvest Festival; and
WHEREAS, Robert Geraci became Director of Recreation & Public Programs
in 1983; in this capacity, he oversaw the opening of the New Breed of
Zoo and Sainte Marie among the Iroquois, and introduced new programs
that have become staples of the community such as Parkway Sundays and
Lights on the Lake; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, he began his 14-year tenure as Onondaga County
Commissioner of Parks, a role that saw him facilitate Parks for Tomorrow
capital projects, which rejuvenated and enhanced the county parks
system; and
WHEREAS, He initiated the opening of new venues and related programs
including Wegmans Good Dog Park, the Onondaga Lake Skate Park, James-
ville Beach disc golf course, and "Get Moving, CNY" exercise program;
and
WHEREAS, He supported sports and recreation by being instrumental in
the opening of a new baseball stadium and initiated angling related
endeavors, including hosting the ESPN Bassmasters Tour, which has
resulted in annual economic impact of approximately $7 million; and
WHEREAS, Robert Geraci's efforts have resulted in an A grade for the
Onondaga County Parks System in annual public ratings in the areas of
customer service, cleanliness and safety; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and pay tribute to Robert Geraci for his many years of service to
the community, and wish him many wonderful years in retirement; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert Geraci.