Dunwoody Parks & Rec named Agency of the Year

The Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) recognized Dunwoody Parks and Recreation as District 6 Agency of the Year during its annual banquet earlier this month. This is the second year in a row for the award, which salutes excellence and leadership in providing quality recreation programs, parks and facilities that enhance the quality of life in communities.

“Park staff has worked hard this year to improve our professional development by gaining certifications in our industry,” said Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Director Brent Walker. “We’ve taken that deeper knowledge and applied it to our programs and facilities for the benefit of our residents and visitors.”

Each staff member completes 80 hours of training a year. In 2022, Walker and Dunwoody Recreation Program Leader Kate Borden passed the exam to become Certified Parks and Recreation Professionals. Park Operations Manager Gabe Neps is in his second year of Park and Recreation Maintenance Management School, while Facilities Coordinator AJ Beck is in his first year.

In addition to education and training, the staff also focused on building programming in 2022. The Groovin’ on the Green concert series grew from three concerts to five, and Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park doubled in size to 75,000 lights. Ten new recreational programs were added, including Contender eSports, Kilometer Kids, and Amazing Athletes.

“I’m proud of our parks team for earning this recognition of excellence by other park professionals,” said Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton. “The department consistently delivers quality programs and recreational opportunities for our community.”

GRPA was formed in 1945 as a private, non-profit institution to support and promote the recreation and park industries within the state of Georgia. District 6 covers DeKalb County and 21 other counties in middle and north Georgia.

PHOTO: (L-R) Facilities Coordinator A.J. Beck-DeBlasi, Recreation Program Leader Kate Borden, Director Brent Walker, Park Operations Manager Gabe Neps, Recreation Program Leader Andrea Perez, and Grounds Coordinator David Alexander.

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For more information regarding the City of Dunwoody, please contact Jennifer Boettcher, Communications Director: 678.382.6881, jennifer.boettcher@dunwoodyga.gov.