Guttridge Park
SIZE	4.3 Acres
LOCATION	8100 Laguna Brook Way (LAGUNA)
PARK FEATURES	Soccer Field Youth Baseball Field Open Play Area Playground Equipment Picnic Area/Tables Shade Structure
COMPLETED	2001
BIOGRAPHY	James "Jim" Randall Guttridge and his wife Minnie Inez Guttridge, moved to Elk Grove in 1945 from Prairie City, Oregon. The couple established a ranch in southeastern Elk Grove where they raised their four children - Jim Jr., Janet, Michael, and Sally - and purebred Aberdeen Angus Cattle. Both Jim and Minnie were firm believers in giving back to the community and were active, and in some cases founding, members in community organizations. Jim's civic commitments included membership in the Elk Grove Rotary Club, the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce (President 1959), Western Angus Association (President 1954-55), California Cattleman's Association, the Lincoln Club, and more than two decades of service on the Elk Grove School Board. Jim was named a Paul Harris fellow in 1982 by his fellow Rotarians. His active involvement in the Republican Party also earned him the honor of attending the inaugurations of both U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr. Minnie Guttridge, like her husband, was extremely active in local projects. Minnie was among the founding members of the Mom's Club responsible for establishing the Elk Grove Western Festival. She was also a member of the Elk Grove Garden Club, the Cowbells (Women of the American Aberdeen Angus Association), 4-H, PTA, and the Founder and President of Republican Women. As a savy commercial and residential developer, Jim recognized way back in 1960 the need for a major sewer system connecting Elk Grove to the regional county plant to cope with additional growth. His advocacy for the project eventually led to the creation of the system that the community benefits from today. The Guttridge's commitment to the community branched out to business endeavors in 1964 with the creation of the Emerald Park Company. It was through this vehicle that Jim Sr. constructed more than 1,000 quality family homes in Elk Grove. Other Guttridge projects have included shopping centers, the Business Center, and Emerald Lakes Golf Course. Jim and Minnie's core family beliefs in work and service were passed to each of their four children. Each one remains committed to the family business and serving their community. Jim Guttridge Jr., Janet Guttridge Hume, Michael Guttridge, and Sally Guttridge O'Hara all reside in the Elk Grove area, as do most of their children and grandchildren. Their affiliations with the community include the family business and involvement in the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce, Soroptomists, Elk Grove Foundation Board, Home Field Advantage Board, Dollars for Scholars, and the Strauss Festival Board.
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