knoxville news
knoxville news knoxville daily sun lifestyle business knoxville sports travel knoxville classifieds knoxville jobs knoxville legal notices knoxville yellow pages smoky mountains contact facebook twitter linkedin rss entertainment knoxville advertising
 

East Tennessee Communities, Organizations, and Individuals Receive Recreation and Parks Awards

tennessee parks and recreation awards
Pictured are Joe Walsh, Director of Knoxville Parks and Recreation and Greg Clark, Assistant Director of Collierville Parks and Recreation and 2011 TRPA President

By Jeaneane Payne

A number of communities, organizations, and individuals in East Tennessee were presented with awards at the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association's (TRPA) 60th annual conference on October 5th.

Jennifer Rich Gentry of Morristown was presented the Distinguished Young Professional Award for her outstanding service to the parks and recreation profession and her community. Gentry is a programmer for Morristown Parks and Recreation and coordinates a variety of Morristown's events and programs including Scare Crows in the Park, Olympic Day, Christmas in the City, PATH (Parks Add to Health) fitness program, and Celebration of Cultures Festival.

Another Morristown citizen, Craig Price, received the Fellow Award which is the highest award the association can present to an individual and recognizes professional members who have made outstanding contributions to the recreation field throughout their career. Price has been the Director of the Morristown Parks and Recreation Department since 1993.

Four Star Awards were presented to recognize excellence in Programming, Special Events, Marketing, and Renovated and New Facility Design; as well as Individual Service and Benefactor Awards for community partners. Pigeon Forge Parks and Recreation was a recipient of one of these awards for its Climbing Wall Fitness Program. The City of Oak Ridge Parks and Recreation was presented an award for Graduation Celebration.

Brian Hann, Appalachian Bike Club, was another award recipient. Hann was nominated by Knoxville Parks and Recreation for coordinating thousands of man hours and putting his own labor into building ten miles of multi-use trails in Knoxville parks.

Chuck Hope, Jr, also receiving a Four Star Award, was nominated by Oak Ridge Parks and Recreation for his dedication as a volunteer for the original build of Cedar Hill Park Playground in 1988 and service again as Tools Chairperson the renovation in 2011.

The President's Cup Award recognizes member agencies that have provided exemplary service to TRPA though attendance at state conferences and workshops, membership, staff writing for publications or serving on boards and committees. Award recipients included Morristown Parks and Recreation and Pigeon Forge Parks and Recreation.

Published October 25, 2011

Share |
 



knoxville daily sun Knoxville Daily Sun
2011 Image Builders
User Agreement | Privacy Policy