The City of Chattanooga Department of Youth & Family Development (Chattanooga YFD) is proud to be honored by Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association in a number of categories, including new facilities, programs, aquatics, marketing, and arts. Chattanooga’s YFD received five of the organization’s highest awards, which recognizes the best overall programs, facilities and marketing in the state of Tennessee. In addition, YFD received two awards in arts programming and excellence in lifeguarding.
“We are honored” said Greta Hayes, YFD director. “These awards recognize our tremendous staff for their vision and commitment to our successful programs provided to the public. Each program educates, and provides necessary leadership and mentoring to hundreds of participants each year.”
Chattanooga YFD faced competition against nearly 100 submissions from dozens of local and state organizations, including Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville. During the TRPA State Conference, held at the Chattanooga Convention Center, Chattanooga Youth & Family was awarded in the following categories:
TRPA 4 Star NEW Facility Award – Chattanooga YFD was awarded for the efforts in helping design one of the City’s newest parks just off Main Street, titled “Main Terrain.” Chattanooga Youth & Family worked with local manufacturers, Chattanooga Parks, Public Works, and Public Art Chattanooga to create the unique experience of an outdoor fitness trail and art park, the only one of its kind in the United States.
TRPA 4 Star Aquatics Program Award – Chattanooga YFD’s Therapeutic Recreation division was recognized for the creation of a free Kayaking program to benefit wounded veterans in the Chattanooga Area. Weekly instruction was given through adaptive teaching, including trips to local rivers, serving as an important part of a local veterans’ rehabilitation.
TRPA 4 Star Program Award – STARS of Chattanooga challenged local youth and teens to create their own music. Each youth was asked to write, record, and produce their own song and submit a compilation CD. Songs were recorded and produced at South Chattanooga Youth & Family Development Center, which included over 200 hours of studio time. The "STARS of Chattanooga" CD was released in February 2013 at no cost, receiving great reviews from new fans and local critics. The STARS, each with little to no experience, were awarded three performances at both Riverbend and the Bessie Smith Strut. Each performer was required to maintain good standing in school and public.
TRPA 4 Star Marketing Award – The short movie “Choice” was awarded TRPA’s highest award for marketing due to its creativity and message. The video follows a 10 year old girl who joins an adult exercise class at Avondale YFD Center after her attempts to join other local fitness classes with her mother had failed. She lost over 20 pounds in six months and received praise and confidence from her adult classmates.
TRPA 4 Star Print Media Award – Chattanooga YFD was awarded for the creativity and talent shown in several posters that raised awareness about the dangers of texting and driving. Posters were created by part-time staff at South Chattanooga Center and provided a unique look that targeted teens and young adults.
Longfellow Aquatics Award – Longtime lifeguard Kevin Hayes was awarded the Longfellow award for outstanding accomplishments and programming. Hayes has taken it upon himself to raise public awareness about the lack of minority swimmers. Hayes, a minority himself, has set a personal goal to help educate Chattanoogans about the water hazards in the metro areas of Chattanooga through swim lessons and programs.
S.E.A.M. Arts Award – Christina Clark, recreation specialist for Brainerd Complex, was awarded the Arts Award for the creation of a summer Pre-School arts program that focused on reading, arts, and the environment. The program also required parental involvement.
Source: Chattanooga Youth & Family Development