The Georgia Recreation and Parks Association honors Dunwoody Parks and Recreation during its annual awards program.
Dunwoody, GA – October 3, 2024 – The Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) recognized Dunwoody Parks and Recreation as District 6 Agency of the Year during its annual banquet on Monday. This is the fourth 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.
“We’re honored to be recognized for excellence by other park professionals, and I’m so proud of my staff for going above and beyond year after year,” said Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Director Rachel Waldron. “Our community deserves the best, and we work hard as a team to deliver quality programs and recreational opportunities.”
GRPA was formed in 1945 as a private, non-profit institution to support and promote the recreation and park industries in Georgia. District 6 covers DeKalb County and 21 other counties in middle and north Georgia. Dunwoody Parks and Recreation was recognized in the District 6 population category of 50,001 to 80,000 residents.
In 2024, Dunwoody Parks and Recreation added several new programs at park facilities, including girls’ softball, adult soccer, Kilometer Kids, goat Pilates, and mediation. The department also hosted Special Olympics activities at Brook Run Park and Georgetown Park. In addition, the department expanded the Groovin’ on the Green Concert series and the StoryWalk program, in partnership with Friends of the Dunwoody Library. Park improvements included shade structures at the Brook Run Baseball Fields, plus new floors and a mirrored wall in the dance studio at Stage Door Theatre.
“Rachel stepped into the role of Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Director earlier this year and never skipped a beat,” said Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton. “She provides excellent leadership, and her team has built great relationships with our partners and community.”
Parks staff are members of GRPA and complete 80 hours of training each year. Together, they manage more than 200 acres of green space across seven parks.
PHOTO: (L-R) Recreation Coordinator Dylan Gesford, Park Operations Coordinator Brandon Alvarado, Parks Operations Coordinator David Alexander, Parks and Recreation Director Rachel Waldron, Recreation Program Coordinator Andrea Perez, Recreation Manager Kate Borden, and Recreation Leader Antwain Adams.
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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.
