Volunteer, staffers also honored

The Peachtree City Parks and Recreation Department was named the 2006 Parks and Recreation Agency of the Year by the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association.

The city’s award was in the population category for cites between 30,000 and 80,000 persons.

“This is a well-earned reward for lots of hard work and effort by the recreation department staff and volunteers,” said Randy Gaddo, the city’s director of leisure services. “It takes a solid team to continually deliver the high level of recreational services we enjoy in Peachtree City, and that includes team members in virtually all city departments and the many volunteers who give their time and talents.”

Other individuals who won awards included:

• Volunteer Shayne Robinson, who with her husband Anthony established the city’s BMX association, was named volunteer of the year;

• Program Coordinator Makeda Smith, whose fall activity catalog won the visibility committees publication award;

• Recreation Director Sherry McHugh was given a citation from the GRPA president for serving as the 2006 state awards chairperson; and

• Athletic Director Jim O’Connell was awarded the GRPA fourth district honor for the “athletic professional award” for his success in programming adult athletics.

This year the department completed its five-year master plan and began implementing a new pest management system designed to limit the use of pesticides on sports fields. Other improvements included construction of a public restroom and concession building at the BMX track and a start to construction of another such building at Picnic Park. Also this year the new dog park was completed and other facilities have begun much-needed upgrades, all as part of a departmental goal to have all recreational facilities looking as good or better than new when the city turns 50 years old in 2009.

The department also hosted or co-hosted 16 special events including the traditional 4th of July parade and fireworks, the Shakerag Arts and Crafts Festival, and the new Spring Yard and Garden Show.

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