The City of Chattanooga Parks and Recreation Department was honored to be recognized by Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association in a number of categories including renovations, programs, volunteering, marketing and arts. Chattanooga Parks and Recreation faced tough competition against dozens of Local and State organizations and over 1300 members that support Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association, including Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville..
Chattanooga Parks and Recreation received the highest award, the “4 Star Award” for three out of the seven categories entered including Marketing Award, Renovated Facility and Individual Service Award.
Held at the Museum of Art in Knoxville, Chattanooga Parks and Recreation was awarded in the following categories:
TRPA 4 Star Renovated Facility Award-“Hixson Community City”. Chattanooga Park and Recreation staff were awarded for the efforts to renovate the old Hixson Middle School into the Hixson Community Center, opening the doors to numerous programs, including arts, sports, community events and more for all ages in a safe and quality environment.
TRPA 4 Star Marketing Award-“21st Century Marketing”. Chattanooga Parks and Recreation was awarded for the efforts created through the use of social media, online technology, videos and more, seeing record breaking attendance numbers in numerous programs in 2012.
TRPA 4 Star Individual Service Award-“Craig Downs”. Mr. Downs was awarded for his effort to raise awareness, and funds to implement a state of the art dog park at Heritage Park. Mr. Downs’s efforts in fundraising and his love for Heritage Park were instrumental in the success of “Bark in the Park” and “Hubfest”, two events that continue to exceeded expectations. Mr. Downs is also spearheading the effort to make Heritage dog park one of the only ADA accessible dog parks in the state of TN.
Special Events, Arts and Marketing Theater Award-“S.T.U.N.T.I.N.G. program and awards presentation”. This award recognizes innovation and creativity and inspires others to develop similar programs. This award also recognizes the positive programming for teens in the inner city and the effort THEY put into their lives, through our resources in the City of Chattanooga and its partners.
TRPA Volunteer Service Award-“Chattanooga Park Stewards”. Park Stewards were recognized for the significant contributions made to the field of parks and recreation in Chattanooga. Park Stewards, formed in April of 2012, has already provided maintenance and clean up of 5 local parks and monitoring of several others through volunteers.
Tennessee Hershey’s Track and Field Games Program Excellence Award-Chattanooga was awarded for outstanding support of the Hershey’s track and field games at both a local and state level. Hershey’s Track and Field in Chattanooga has allowed dozens in 2012 alone attend state completion in Nashville and has sent 2 contestants to National competition in Hershey, PA this past August.
“We are honored” said Larry Zehnder, Chattanooga Parks and Recreation administrator. “These awards recognize our tremendous staff in several of our departments for their vision and commitment to our beautiful greenspaces and successful programs provided to the public. We are proud of not only our staff, but of the tireless acts performed by volunteers and participants of all ages.”
Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association society of that exists to strengthen and unite those committed to the benefits of parks and recreation. The organization exists to further the parks and recreation profession in Tennessee by enhancing professional growth through vital association activities. It promotes professional education and networking opportunities, and has a voice in shaping the future of the profession in Tennessee. It strives to ensure Tennesseans are provided the very best recreation opportunities.