Parks and recreation recognized for excellence

Chamblee’s Parks and Recreation Department won big at the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association District 6 Annual Awards Banquet, according to a press release. CPRD was named District 6 Agency of the Year, and Chamblee Recreation Coordinator Katie Sears won the District 6 Distinguished Young Professional Award.

“To win these awards at the district level is a big deal,” said Chamblee Parks and Recreation Department Director Jodie Gilfillan. “At the district level there is only one winner and no population category, so you are competing against large departments, with large numbers of parks, staff and budgets. It is equally competitive to win the distinguished professional award and Ms. Sears has earned every bit of this award by serving on several local and state committees, completing GRPA leadership classes, earning certifications and more than doubling the number of programs offered in Chamblee.”

The agency of the year award nomination entry includes information about the agency, budgeting, facilities, acreage, use of social media, and the nominees are judged on major accomplishments made within the last year as well as new and outstanding programs offered.

CPRD now offers 22 programs in the park system, completed construction of the first restroom facility in Keswick Park, began construction of Village and Canfield Parks and Phase II of the Rail Trail.

Information: www.chambleega.gov