The proclamation, which was presented to Jake Blaker, director of the county Recreation department, coordinates with July 19 being recognized as Parks and Recreation Professional Day.
The proclamation states that Greene County honors the men and women who work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide the park and recreation programs and facilities that residents enjoy every day.
“Parks, culture and recreation are an integral part of communities throughout the country, including Greene County, the proclamation states. “Culture and recreation are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in our communities, improving the health of all citizens, and contributing to the environmental well-being of a community.”
The proclamation adds that parks, culture and recreation strive to maintain safe and healthy park amenities to explore and connect with nature and recreate outdoors.
“The County of Greene recognizes the benefits derived from parks and recreation resources,” the proclamation states. “Parks, culture and recreation improve air quality, protect and preserve green space, provide vegetative buffers to development and produce habitat for wildlife.”
Commissioners Blair Zimmerman, Dave Coder and Archie Trader commended Blaker and the Recreation staff for their hard work; and, while presenting the proclamation, said they “take great pride and pleasure in drawing special public attention to parks, culture and recreation that serve to provide quality of life for local community and in communities across the nation.”
Blaker thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and recognition, commended his staff for their efforts and said he was happy to report that the department is “extremely busy” with programs and initiatives, such as the annual Day Camp, the three county pools and the Greene River Trail.