(Lawrenceville, Ga., Nov. 14, 2018) – The Georgia Recreation and Park Association, District 7 named Gwinnett Parks and Recreation the 2018 Agency of the Year in the 50,000 and over population category. The award was presented at the association’s Annual District Awards Banquet hosted on Oct. 24 in Oconee County. The GRPA Agency of the Year Award recognizes excellence and leadership in providing quality recreation programs, parks, and facilities that enhance the quality of life in communities.

In addition to the agency award, employees from Gwinnett Parks and Recreation and community partners were recipients of other awards. The Volunteer Award was presented to Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance Company’s Serve with Liberty program. For the past six years, volunteers with the program have completed 1,122 hours of service in Gwinnett County parks.

Monte Harpe received the Distinguished Professional Administrator Award for his dedication to the field of aquatics and his work in the community. The Roy A. Hammond Leadership Award was presented to Chris Minor, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, for his leadership and vision, inspiring success in his team, organization and the community. The Hammond award is given to those who embody what a recreation and park professional should be: a leader who enjoys the special privileges of complexity, ambiguity and diversity.

For more information on GRPA, visit www.grpa.org.