Oconee County Parks and Recreation received several awards from the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) District 7 this year:

• GRPA District 7 Agency of the Year (population 30,001-80,000)

• GRPA D7 Programmer of the Year – Payton Massey

• GRPA D7 Student of the Year – Clay Dunagan

• GRPA D7 Volunteer of the Year – Wesley Scott

• GRPA D7 Jeff Pruitt Inspiration Award – Lisa D. Davol  

The Agency of the Year Award was presented in recognition of Parks & Recreation’s outstanding leadership in fostering community health, wellness, and connection through innovative recreation services, a dedicated team, and strategic stewardship of resources.

Parks & Recreation personnel maintain their high level of performance by engaging in ongoing development through national conferences, state leadership courses, and certifications in areas like youth sports administration, CPR, and athletic training. Through participation in national and community organizations such as NRPA, local youth leagues, and veterans' foundations, they have been able to build strong partnerships that enhance their programs.

Managing 630 acres across multiple sites, including a community center with gymnasiums and fitness facilities, an expansive Veterans Park with soccer fields, tennis courts, and memorials, the historic Heritage Park with trails and equestrian areas, and sports complexes for baseball, softball, and disc golf, Oconee County Parks & Recreation provides diverse indoor and outdoor opportunities for all ages.

In the past year, Oconee County Parks & Recreation has provided recreational offerings for thousands of participants in sports and events, the new Lil Kickers Soccer for young children, Pioneer Camp for wilderness adventures, a Bat Festival highlighting local ecology, regional high school softball tournaments, and free community events including trick-or-treat trails and tributes for veterans. They have also boosted wellness through employee health walks, provided scholarships for those in need, and hosted invasive plant removal volunteer days.

Major accomplishments include planning a new 220-acre park, expanding tennis courts by 16 courts, renovating restrooms and plazas, installing protective netting and improving the disc golf course, conducting trail assessments—all while promoting sustainability and community involvement.

Oconee County Parks & Recreation’s commitment to impactful, inclusive recreation truly elevates quality of life.