Parks , Recreation , & Cultural Resources
Mission
To enrich the quality of life in Garner by offering a diverse system of parks , recreational facilities , programs , and cultural resources .
Summary
The nationally accredited Parks , Recreation and Cultural Resources Department consists of the following divisions : Administration & Operations , Marketing & Events , Arts & Culture , Recreation & Athletics , and Parks & Nature . The department provides a wide scope of arts , athletic , environmental education , and outdoor recreation programs to preschool , youth , adult , and senior participants ; recreational facilities for multiple user groups ; special events that bring the community together to celebrate holidays and community traditions ; and support for program partners that provide additional recreational and cultural programming . The Parks , Recreation and Cultural Resources Department helps Garner maintain its quality of life and service delivery to its citizens and visitors through the core values of Leadership , Efficiency , Diversity , and Stewardship .
FY2023-2024 Accomplishments � The Department provided more than 20,000 recreational program hours that reached an estimated attendance / participation of 407,000 . � The Department was supported by volunteers across all program areas with over 9,800 collective volunteer hours . � The Department received a $ 1.4 million Directed Grant from the N . C . General Assembly to support the development of a splash pad and inclusive playground at White Deer Park . � The Department received a $ 500,000 federal grant to support the removal of an aging dam at the future Meadowbrook Park . � The Department received its first grant from the NC Arts Council for the Garner Performing Arts
Center . The $ 11,182 grant supported GPAC youth and family entertainment programming .
� The Department received a $ 9,300 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts / Arts Midwest to participate in the NEA Big Read program , partnering with the Southeast Regional Library for multiple activities .
� The Department was awarded a $ 1,000 New Initiative Grant by the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association ( NCRPA ) to further efforts to provide inclusive recreational opportunities for the community through a portable sensory “ chill ” zone .
� Through collaboration between the Engineering , Parks & Recreation , and Planning Departments , the Town applied and was awarded a $ 2.5 million Locally Administered Projects Program grant from the N . C . Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to support the Buffaloe Road Alignment of the South Garner Greenway Extension .
� The Department began park refurbishments funded through the Council approved Penny for Parks funding mechanism . In this first year , projects included replacing park furnishings at Avery Street , Garner Recreational , Jackie Johns , Sr ., Jaycee , Lake Benson , South Garner , and White Deer Parks .
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