The Athens-Clarke County Department of Leisure Services was recently honored by the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) with awards recognizing outstanding achievement.  

For the ninth time in 19 years, the Department received the prestigious Georgia Recreation and Park Association’s state “Agency Award” for populations of 80,000 -150,000.  The award is based on outstanding programs and accomplishments over the past year.  This recognition is particularly significant because it is voted on by Recreation professionals.

Department staff were recognized with three awards. Program Specialist Emily Mann  received the state “Athletics/ Aquatics Network Distinguished Professional.”  Maintenance Supervisor Jim Ferguson  was named GRPA District 7 “Facilities and Ground Professional” award.  District 7 covers the Northeast Georgia region.

ACCGov Leisure Services Department Director Kent Kilpatrick was honored with the GRPA District 7 Roy Hammond Leadership Award.  This award recognizes professionals for cumulative, exemplary service to the state, profession and district.

“Trail Team Six,” a devoted group of local volunteers, received three awards for their commitment to the Department’s trails.  This hardworking group received two awards for the State Volunteer  and the Maintenance Network Volunteer of the Year, as well as the and the GRPA District 7 Volunteer Award.

 “It is a source of pride that our peers continue to recognize our staff and volunteers,” said Kent Kilpatrick, ACC Leisure Services Department Director. “This community is fortunate to have incredible staff and volunteers who help make all our parks and facilities essential to life in Athens-Clarke County.”

For more information on ACCGov Leisure Services programs and awards, visit the Awards page at  www.accgov.com/leisure.