Forsyth County Parks & Recreation Receives GRPA Agency Of The Year Award
Parks & Recreation and Senior Services Departments receive awards
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation received the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) Agency of the Year Award during the GRPA awards banquet on Wednesday, Oct. 7. The award is presented annually to five population groups within the state, with Forsyth County falling into the largest population category – 150,000 residents and over.
“The annual state award recognizes exemplary agencies for their work over the last year,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jim Pryor. “I am so proud of the exceptional efforts made by our staff to make this award possible and sincerely appreciate the continuous support our system receives from the Board of Commissioners, the Parks & Recreation Board and residents.”
Forsyth County’s Agency of the Year Award nomination entry included information about staff development, budgeting and resources, facilities offered and use of technology. Nominees for the award are judged on major accomplishments made within the last year as well as new and outstanding programs offered.
One of the major accomplishments included in the nomination was the Department’s 14 current capital projects, including renovating older parks, developing new parks and adding new amenities to current parks. Other highlights presented in the nomination for outstanding programs included the growth of Therapeutic Recreation programs, the restoration of the Poole’s Mill covered bridge and the launch of a Parks & Recreation Facebook page.
The Forsyth County Senior Services Department received the GRPA Programming Network Award. They were recognized for their efforts in developing new, online programs and a monthly newsletter that were created in response to COVID-19. With 600 online participants per month, the Senior Services Department plans to continue these programs.
Parks & Recreation Athletic Manager Wayne Maddox received the GRPA Roy A. Hammond Leadership Award. Maddox was recognized for his contributions of inspiration, leadership and mentorship to others.
All were recognized by the Board of Commissioners on Nov. 5 during their regularly scheduled board meeting.
About GRPA: The Georgia Recreation and Park Association was formed in 1945 as a private, non-profit institution to support and promote the recreation and park industries within the state of Georgia.