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approach to communication combined with the branding that
was integrated into all of their marketing pieces helped them to
increase program revenue, volunteer service, and participation
in recreation and fitness programs.
The 2009 Kudos Award for an agency with a population of
greater than 100,000 is Milwaukee County Department of Parks,
Recreation, and Culture. Milwaukee County's tag line " Stay Local-Play Local " was a simple, concise, and clear message to the
community who was facing a downturn in the economy. This
campaign was so catchy that it picked up coverage in television,
print, and radio airtime.

Barb King Environmental Stewardship Award recipient is
Mecklenburg County in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Barb King Award for Environmental Leadership-Recognizes
the parks and recreation professional or citizen who has achieved
excellence in leading his or her agency and/or community to a
more sustainable future.
The 2009, and first ever, Barb King Environmental Leadership
award recipient is Evie Kirkwood of South Bend, Indiana. Evie
has been the Director of St. Joseph County Parks since 2004. She
has become known regionally for her passion and enthusiasm for
natural areas, and the plants and animals that live within them.
Barb King Award for Environmental Stewardship-Recognizes
the parks and recreation agency that has achieved excellence in
environmental stewardship.
The 2009, and first ever, Barb King Environmental Stewardship Award recipient is Mecklenburg County in Charlotte, North
Carolina. Mecklenburg County has been involved in everything
from open space land acquisition and the protection of critical
wildlife habitat and water quality protection. The Park and Recreation staff plays a key role on the county wide Environmental
Leadership Team which has helped put into action both an Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy and an Environmental
Policy Action Plan.
Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities Awards Program-Honors agencies in five population classes that demonstrate excellence in providing and inspiring arts and humanities activities.
CLASS 1, Population 500,000 and More-San Antonio Parks
and Recreation for their Cultural Arts Month program. This program is the only regional art festival of its kind, bringing together
more than 500 artists and nearly 2600 participants throughout
the month.
CLASS 2, Population 200,000-499,999-City of Plano for their
Public Arts program. The Public Arts program puts permanent
art installations in public spaces to be enjoyed for years. Examples
of recent projects include Veterans Memorial at Memorial Park,
a collection of sculptures at the city libraries inspired by a local
poet, and a sculpture at Downtown Fire Station.
CLASS 3, Population 75,000-199,999-South Suburban Park
and Recreation District for their Lone Tree Passport to Culture
series. Children receive stickers on their passport each time they
attend the monthly programs ranging from single performers to
symphonies and covering dance, music, theater, and storytelling.
CLASS 4, Population 25,000 to 74,999-Irmo Chapin Recreation

South Suburban Park and Recreation District's Lone Tree
Passport to Culture series

Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission for Unearth, A
Celebration of Naturally Inspired Art

Commission for Unearth, A Celebration of Naturally Inspired Art.
More than 2800 visitors engaged in a unique art experience at this
annual event held at Saluda Shoals Park that includes art demonstrations and instructions, poetry reading, live music and dance.
CLASS 5, Population 24,999 and under-Green River Arts
Council for their Arts on the Green program. The annual weekend event includes live sculpting competitions and a kids creation
corner. In addition, residents are able to enjoy permanent pieces
of art that came out of the event.
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November 2009

Parks & Recreation 57

November 2009 - Parks & Recreation

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