Click Clayton
For Immediate Release
November 1, 2022
News Release
Clayton Parks and Recreation Earns GRPA Awards
(Clayton County, GA)-The Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) names Clayton County Parks and Recreation as District 4 Award winners in three categories. The GRPA recognizes exemplary agencies and individuals who deliver recreation, park, or leisure related services annually.
Mr. Ernest Jones, Center Maintenance Worker Senior, earns the Outstanding Support Staff Award in Parks Maintenance/Operations for outstanding programs and contributions. “His ability to handle maintenance as well as assisting patrons with weight equipment, at the front desk, or assisting new staff is worthy of recognition. His warm smile can be seen at South Clayton Recreation Center. He is an asset to the Clayton County Parks and Recreation team.” said Director Troy Hodges.
The “Thanksgiving Pop-Up Event” earns the Outstanding Special Event award. Families were invited to pick up turkeys, fresh vegetables, sweet tea, and other holiday food items in November 2021. UPS and the Atlanta Hawks partner with Clayton County Parks and Recreation for this outstanding event. The Atlanta Hawk’s Head Coach Nate McMillian, players Clint Capella and Jalen Johnson, and the team’s mascot, Harry the Hawk, help by distributing food boxes donated to assist approximately 120 families in need.
The Spivey Splash Water Park earns the Outstanding Project Class A award in recognition of excellence in park or facility improvements and developments. In the area formerly known as the Beach at Clayton County International Park, Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds were used to restructure and build the new Spivey Splash Water Park. This premier water destination offers fun in the sun and boasts the longest lazy river in Georgia, a sports pool with three basketball goals and a water volleyball court. Additional features include one of only two Flow Riders in the state, a kiddie pool with a splash pad and dunk buckets, four giant waterslides, a concession area, multi-purpose rooms, cabanas, and umbrellas that patrons can rent, and the three-story Lake Spivey Sky Trail with obstacle course and zip line.
“Great things in Clayton County Parks and Recreation Department are never done by one person,” added Hodges. “They are done by an outstanding team. I am incredibly proud of the individuals who make these events happen and the pride with which they represent this department. Spivey Splash will be a safe entertaining environment to create memories for years to come. Congratulations to everyone.”
The mission of Georgia Recreation and Park Association is support and promotion of Recreation and Park Agencies within the state of Georgia while encouraging healthy lifestyles for our citizens.
Access www.claytonparks.com for more information about Clayton County Parks and Recreation.
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