Hill Park
SIZE	7.5 Acres
LOCATION	9380 Porta Rosa Drive, Southeast of Laguna Creek (CAMDEN PARK, WATERMAN, PARK VILLAGE)
PARK FEATURES	Multiuse Game Field Youth Baseball Field Open Play Area Playground Equipment Shade Structure Picnic Area/Tables Parking Lot for 28 Vehicles Restrooms Barbecue Access to Jogging/Bike Trail on Laguna Creek
COMPLETED	1993
BIOGRAPHY	There was nothing Jack Hill liked better than watching a sleek race car fly down the track, picking up speed as it reached the finish line at the bottom of the Waterman Road grade. Of course, the car had to be a Soap Box. The Soap Box Derby captured Jack's attention and he participated in it for 20 years, directing the Elk Grove Soap Box Derby organization and serving on the National Board for Soap Box Derby Racing. Elk Grove youths won the World Championship in Akron, Ohio three times during his involvement with the sport. Jack, who died in 1987 at the age of 60, was equally renown for his cooking ability, especially chili beans (the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce even gave him an official "Bean Man" award!). He was a familiar sight stirring beans, barbecuing steaks or flipping pancakes at community events and fund-raisers. Jack also worked with the Senior Center of Elk Grove, was an active member of the Lions Club, and delighted in announcing Bingo each year at the Western Festival. He was a long-time member of the Elk Grove Fireman's Association and served as a volunteer firefighter and ambulance attendant for a number of years. He also enjoyed dropping by the fire station each day for coffee and conversation. Family and friends were very important to Jack. He and his wife, Lee, were married for 40 years and had three children, Laura, Jack Jr. and Dawn, and four grandchildren. Lee worked at Mar-Val Market in Elk Grove for 21 years, while Jack spent 26 years at Procter and Gamble. Prior to that he had worked for Shell Oil Co. and as a postman in Brea, California. He also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His many activities and achievements were recognized by his fellow Elk Grove residents in 1973 when he was named Citizen of the Year.
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