The Georgia Recreation and Park Association District Four which serves 13 Georgia counties recently presented Spalding County Parks, Public Grounds and Leisure Services with special recognition during their Annual District Awards Banquet.

The department received the Program Award for its summer program “Play to Discover – Discover to Play.” This innovative program featured a mobile recreation unit which visited parks and neighborhoods all summer long bringing fun and games to children and encouraging them to play outdoors. A mini grant from the Georgia Recreation and Park Association provided funding to equip the van with a Wii system, parachute, portable Disc Golf goal and much more! More than 300 children were served.

Two amazing volunteers were recognized for their dedicated service to the field of recreation and parks. Jason Stowell received the award for his involvement in the fund raising efforts and construction of the disc golf course at Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park. Lamar Jones received the award for his continuous involvement with the youth baseball program for over 30 years. Each received the Volunteer of the Year Award which recognizes volunteers whose efforts have had a lasting, positive effect on parks, recreation and leisure services.

The department also received the Project Award for its disc golf course at Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park. This award recognizes excellence in park or facility improvements and developments. This course, which opened in April of 2015, is currently recognized as being among the top three in the state and has national ranking among the top 26 courses according to avid players of the game.