Montgomery Parks also recognized with several community awards
SILVER SPRING, MD—M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks received seven awards from the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) last week, including the Citation Award, the highest honor, presented to M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks Enterprise Division Chief Christine Brett.
Brett was selected by peers from thousands of park and recreation personnel across the state for her service to the park and recreation profession. She oversees numerous facilities across Montgomery Parks, including ice rinks, tennis, and event centers; a campground; a splash park; two boating centers; and a miniature train, among other facilities. Christine has been a member of MRPA for 29 years, assuming increasing levels of responsibility including serving as the Association’s president in 2001-2002, as well as mentoring many young people entering the field.
In addition, Montgomery Parks received the following MRPA awards:
- Planning and Design with Environmental Protection in Mind Award for the stream restoration project at Maydale Conservation Park featuring improvements to pedestrian bridges and a fish ladder to protect and restore 1,600 feet of the stream
- MRPA Therapeutic Recreation Branch Volunteer Award for a program in cooperation with Ivy Mount School, Inc., at Locust Grove Nature Center
- Best Program Guide for the “GUIDE to Recreation and Parks Programs,” produced by both the Montgomery County Recreation Department and M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks
- Best Website for the Connect with Parks website which provides a gateway for visitors to the Department’s broad array of communication channels from Facebook and YouTube to a monthly e-newsletter and “How are we doing?” survey
- Best Logo for the Parks Green Thumb logo developed for Energy Savings/Efficient projects throughout the parks
- Best Social Media Site for The Brookside Gardens YouTube Channel featuring over 80 videos with Gardening How-To Projects, Plant Identification, and Best Practices in Green Matters
“We are so pleased to be honored by MRPA as the best in Maryland,” said Mary Bradford, Director, M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks. “This recognition is a testament to the quality work of our staff and the dedicated members of our community. We know parks matter to Montgomery County residents, and we are pledged to providing safe, clean, high-quality parks to meet their needs.”
In addition to the MRPA awards, Montgomery Parks received the Maryland People Loving And Nurturing Trees (PLANT) Community Award from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Service, and the Maryland Community Forestry Council for tree planting and tree care efforts. Also, The 28th Annual Wheaton and Kensington Chamber of Commerce Community Award will be presented to Montgomery Parks’ Brookside Gardens at an event on April 18th.
Montgomery Parks’ employees received special honors as well. Martin Luther King Park maintenance worker Oliver Manuel was recognized by the Montgomery County Executive with the “Everyday Hero” Award for his quick actions alerting residents of a house fire and escorting them out of the building.
Finally Maryland-National Capital Park Police Communications Supervisor Deborah Hagberg received the APCO-International Public Safety “Communications Center Director of the Year” Award for 2012.
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