Local couple, senior center program win state park association awards
A Beavercreek couple has been awarded the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association’s 2022 Citizens of the Year award. Bob and Vicki Darden were honored during the association’s annual conference and trade show on Jan. 31. The couple was recognized for their involvement and dedication to youth in the Beavercreek community.
In 1983, Vicki Darden helped form the Beavercreek Youth Softball Association (BYSA) to promote recreational slow-pitch softball to youth in Beavercreek. The organization started as a small, local activity and has steadily grown over the past four decades. In 1998, after serving as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Vicki’s husband, Bob, took on a leadership role within the association.
Today, BYSA is preparing for its 40th season and is still led by the Dardens. The organization now has more than 1,400 youth playing co-ed softball, ranging from pre-school aged children through high school seniors.
The Dardens’ leadership and passion for BYSA has led others to volunteer as commissioners, coordinators, coaches, and positive role models.
To this day, you can find Bob and Vicki Darden at Rotary Park during the season preparing fields for play, coordinating games, working the concession stand, and admiring the smiles on the faces of the players and spectators.
“Beavercreek’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Division is extremely thankful for the decades of dedication and volunteerism from Bob and Vicki Darden,” said Kim Farrell, parks superintendent. “The Dardens continue to make a difference in our community, making them very deserving of this honor. Please be sure to congratulate them next time you see them at Rotary Park this upcoming BYSA season.”
Senior Center transportation program wins state award
Beavercreek Senior Center’s transportation program was recognized by the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) at its 2022 Annual Awards of Excellence banquet at the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky on Jan. 31.
The service won firstplace in the adaptive category for providing a program that “enhances the lives of those with special needs such as emotional, cognitive, or physical disabilities.”
The Beavercreek Senior Center’s transportation program helps to address senior mobility issues in the area by providing services to Beavercreek city and township residents who are 55 or older. Drivers escort seniors to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other local activities throughout Beavercreek.
With a fleet of five vans, all of the senior center’s vehicles are handicap accessible with lift and ramp capabilities, allowing seniors to remain independent and active, regardless of any disabilities or mobility limitations. The program is staffed by more than 70 volunteers. In 2022, the transportation program completed more than 8,000 trips, as volunteers worked more than 3,000 shifts and contributed more than 20,000 hours of their time.
Escorts provide door-todoor service for every trip to ensure riders are safe when they utilize the city’s transportation program. Additionally, volunteers who work grocery runs will carry grocery bags into the rider’s home.
“It’s a blessing to be able to volunteer and give back to the community,” said Keith, one of the volunteers. “The riders are very appreciative and it makes for a very fulfilling experience.”
“Parks and recreation professionals throughout Ohio work every day to improve the quality of life of the people they serve,” said OPRA Executive Director Woody Woodward. “This effort is a shining example of that kind of work, and we are pleased to be able to present this award.”
The award was judged by a panel of parks and recreation professionals from around Ohio.