distinction indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands , facilities , resources , programs , safety , and services .
Why Parks and Recreation
As one of the largest land managers in the nation — especially in dense urban centers and metropolitan regions — local parks are key to climate-change mitigation and adaptation by providing opportunities for people to engage with nature and by creating healthy and biodiverse ecosystems . Park and recreation professionals are integral to both the proactive and responsive actions essential to building resilience in communities across the country , especially among underserved populations . By providing environmental programming , enhancing the ecological capacity of parklands and advocating for the benefits of nature , park and recreation professionals are addressing our most pressing societal needs through the power of parks . Source : NRPA Strategic Plan
The Team
The full-time team is comprised of 19 staff members that oversee department operations across programming teams . Our part-time team includes over 70 seasonal and supplemental staff across all program areas . They , along with countless volunteers , play an integral role in helping Garner maintain its high quality of life and service delivery to its citizens and visitors through the following core values : leadership , efficiency , diversity , and stewardship .
Arts and Culture The Arts and Culture team is responsible for operating the Garner Performing Arts Center ( GPAC ) and coordinating a variety of cultural arts programs including the “ It ’ s Showtime ” performance series , lobby art exhibits , arts education classes and camps , and auditorium rentals . Program partners include Miss Garner pageant , Towne Players of Garner , Seed Art Share , Backyard Arts Garner , Garner Chamber of Commerce , and Downtown Garner Association .
Operations : Administration , Marketing , and Events The Operations team is responsible for providing leadership for the department , overseeing strategic planning , operating policies , public information , customer service , grant writing , coordination of citizen committees , and other support functions . The team also provides department leadership , fiscal management , record keeping , staff training , and evaluation . The marketing and events section of the team is responsible for planning and implementing Townwide special events such as the Independence Day Celebration , Spring Eggstravaganza , Trick or Treat the Trail , Holiday Block Party , Festival Latino , and Friday Family Flicks . Additionally , the team is responsible for Garner PRCR marketing efforts and works closely with the Town ’ s Communications Department on various projects .
Parks and Nature The Parks & Nature team operates White Deer Park and its LEED Gold Certified Nature Center ; Lake Benson Park , including Garner Veterans Memorial ; Lake Benson Boathouse ; and all picnic shelters . Program offerings include environmental education for preschool , youth , and adult participants ; summer nature camps ; curriculum-approved environmental education programs for local schools and other groups ; outdoor recreation programs ; and
GARNER PRCR STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2027 5 9 / 28 / 2023