Mayor Sandy Genis presented longtime Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kim Pederson with the Mayor’s Award to commend him for his years of service to the community and youth sports.

“For your years of service to this community, your extraordinary leadership, and your passion for serving on the Parks Commission, it is my honor and privilege to present you with the Mayor’s Award.”

Pederson, who spent 30 years a Newport Beach city employee, served on the Parks and Recreation Commission beginning in 1999 and only recently announced he was resigning from the commission to spend more leisure time with his family at a summer home he recently purchased in northern Minnesota, where he was born and raised.

He said he was very humbled by the Mayor’s Award recognition.

“There are so many other people who deserve this, but I appreciate you to take the time to honor me this way,” he said.

He credited his wife Carolyn for supporting him in his endeavors and he cited his sons and all the kids in the city as what motivated and drove him to be involved. He also paid special tribute to those who take the time to voice their opinions at public meetings and thanked City Council members and city staff for their dedication.

To see more about Pederson, watch the video below: