Dunwoody Parks and Recreation has achieved another milestone, winning the District 6 Agency of the Year award for the fourth consecutive year. This recognition was presented by the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) during their annual event this past Monday.
“We’re honored to be recognized for excellence by other park professionals, and I’m so proud of my staff for going above and beyond year after year,” Rachel Waldron, the captain of the team as Dunwoody’s Parks and Recreation Director, told the City of Dunwoody. They have focused on delivering quality services to the community and have worked to enhance their offerings through new programming and facilities aimed at improving residents' experiences.
For those who may not know, the GRPA has been established since 1945 and is a private, non-profit organization that supports Georgia's recreation and park industries. Dunwoody Parks and Recreation serves District 6, which includes DeKalb County and 21 other counties in central and northern Georgia, and has garnered recognition within this area.
In the 2024 playbook, Dunwoody Parks and Recreation introduced several innovative initiatives, including girls’ softball, adult soccer, Kilometer Kids, and even goat Pilates, as well as mediation programs. They also demonstrated their commitment to inclusivity by hosting Special Olympics activities at Brook Run Park and Georgetown Park. In addition to these new offerings, they enhanced the Groovin’ on the Green Concert series and expanded their partnership with Friends of the Dunwoody Library through the StoryWalk program. Regarding park improvements, they made notable upgrades, such as installing shade structures at the Brook Run Baseball Fields and renovating the dance studio at Stage Door Theatre with new flooring and a mirrored wall.
“Rachel stepped into the role of Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Director earlier this year and never skipped a beat," praised Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton in a statement obtained by the City of Dunwoody. Her leadership skills and the team's capacity to build community relationships contribute to their success. The team undertakes 80 hours of training annually and manages over 200 acres of green space across seven parks, supporting various recreational activities in Georgia.
