We know that Alabama has some of the best parks in the country, and the departments throughout the state who maintain these facilities work hard to make them great.

So picking the best among the plethora of choices in this state is not easy. However, the Alabama Recreation & Parks Association has chosen its recipients for their 2024 awards.

Congrats to the winners!

2024 Alabama Recreation + Parks Awards

The winners of the ARPA Awards for this year:

Retiree Certificate – Chris Carothers, Winfield Park and Recreation
Chester Freeman – Rusty Turner, Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism
Community Service – Mandy Moore, Opelika Recycled TeenAgers
Innovative Program 15,000 & Below – Santa in The Village, Arab Parks & Recreation
Innovative Program 15,001 & Above – Recycled Teenagers Halftime Dance Group, Opelika Parks & Recreation
Innovative Special Event 15,000 & Below – Not So Haunted Trail Trek, Jax Pard
Innovative Special Event 15,001 & Above – Missfit’s Christmas Shoppe, Dothan Leisure Services
Outstanding New Professional – Beau Walker, Homewood Parks
Facility of the Year 15,001 & Above – W D “Rip” Hewes Stadium, Dothan Leisure Services
Agency of the Year 15,001 & Above – City of Mobile: Parks & Recreation
Professional of the Year in Recreation – Alicia Walters, City of Pelham Parks and Recreation
Professional of the Year in Parks – Thomas Phillips, Hartselle Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation
Professional of the Year in Therapeutic Recreation – LaDarrel Bell, City of Mobile: Parks & Recreation
Lifetime Achievement – Kay McCreery, Retired, City of Montgomery Parks & Recreation
Jim Spain Professional of the Year – Sam Bailey, Opelika Parks & Recreation

Alabama Recreation + Parks Association

Founded in 1943, the ARPA is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional organization representing more than 900 professionals delivering park, recreation and therapeutic recreation services in local, county, state, school district, private and agency settings.

The ARPA is an official affiliate of the National Recreation and Parks Association.

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