Roswell Parks Win Best in State Award Again

Both Roswell and Alpharetta were recently awarded the Agency of the Year honor in their respective categories, which are based on population.

Each year the Georgia Recreation and Park Association recognizes cities statewide for their excellence and leadership in providing quality recreation. Roswell won in the over 80,000 category, while Alpharetta won in the 30,001 to 80,000 category. While both cities have been honored with this award previously, this marks the first time both cities were recognized as Agency of the Year for the same year.  

Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic & Cultural Affairs Department’s Director Joe Glover and Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department’s Director Mike Perry accepted the awards from GRPA President Michael Coleman last week.

Roswell, which as won the award eight times, points to its public input-shaped comprehensive plan as the reason for its successes.

“The blue print for the department is built by its citizens,” according to Joe Glover, Director. “Through surveys, public hearings and evaluations the community has a say in the city’s recreation and parks development.” 

In addition to updating the Master Plan this year, the Department also opened its second sprayground at East Roswell Park. Other notable accomplishments include installations of restrooms at Big Creek Park and Garrard Landing Park, as well as a new sand volleyball court at Don White Memorial Park.

Kent Igleheart, councilmember liaison to the Roswell Recreation and Parks Department stated, “I am thrilled, but not surprised, that the Recreation and Parks Department received this honor, as I have worked with the staff and I have seen first-hand their hard work and dedication to provide Roswell with award winning programs and parks.” 

Alpharetta, which has won the award six times, was recognized for being the first city awarded a gold certification by the Atlanta Regional Commission Green Community program, as well as its completion of a .8 mile northern extension to Alpharetta’s Big Creek Greenway; and the installation of two synthetic turf ball fields, including one of the first municipal synthetic turf baseball fields at Wills Park. 

Other notable accomplishments include the redesign of the Wills Park disc golf course, purchase of a 14 passenger vehicle with handicap lift to serve Alpharetta’s senior citizen club and replacement of four athletic scoreboards at North Park.   

“This award represents the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, staff, elected and appointed officials and the citizens who support Alpharetta’s recreation programs and services. I also congratulate our neighbors in Roswell for being recognized for the outstanding job they do in providing quality parks and recreation programs to their constituents,” said Alpharetta City Council Member Doug DeRito, liaison to the city's Recreation and Parks Department.  

Alpharetta’s Recreation and Parks Department Director Mike Perry said, “Recreation, parks, and green space are critical in maintaining the quality of life in our community and we are fortunate that our community leaders support our efforts to provide these for our citizens.”

For information on the city of Roswell Recreation and Parks Department, call 770-641-3705 or visit the city's website. For information on the city of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department, call 678-297-6100 or visit the website.