The Georgia Recreation and Park Association recognized Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation as the number one park agency in the state serving populations of 150,001 during the group’s annual conference held November 3 – 6 in Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash said, “I tell people everywhere I travel that Gwinnett has the best parks system, staff, volunteers, and supporters you will find anywhere—and this award affirms that sentiment. I am so proud of Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation.”

Gwinnett County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state and among the most culturally diverse in the Southeast. Gwinnett Parks and Recreation Operations Director Tina Fleming said, “Gwinnett has risen to the challenge of serving a growing community and one that is becoming increasingly diverse through public-private partnerships, alternative funding mechanisms, creative planning, design and development, and resident input.”

Gwinnett County took home three other awards. GRPA recognized Kidsplosion for outstanding minority programming. The organization is one of Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation’s community partners and provides underserved areas with creative summer camp programs and connects the community with various programs within the park system. In addition, Jason Duncan won the Facilities and Grounds Distinguished Professional Award and the Aquatics Distinguished Professional Award went to Jason Cutchins.

“Kidsplosion helps us reach so many more children with recreation opportunities who may not otherwise be able to participate, and I am pleased they received this much-deserved recognition,” said Fleming. “And I am proud GRPA chose to recognize Jason Duncan and Jason Cutchins for their dedication to Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation and the exceptional service they provide to the residents of Gwinnett County every day.”