The City of Columbus Parks and Recreation Department received multiple top honors from the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA), recognizing outstanding achievements in leadership, programming, and community service.

At the GRPA District 3 Banquet on October 1, 2025, the department was celebrated among 29 cities for numerous accomplishments. Samantha Thies, Community Schools Division Manager, received the Mary Roth Award for Outstanding Programmers. The District Administrative Support Award was presented to Debbie Neely. Emiko McDonald was named Volunteer of the Year for her dedicated service at Frank Chester Recreation Center. Trees Columbus earned the Special Recognition Award for its contributions to city parks, and Sam Manning received the Outstanding Program Award for his Green Power Racing Program. The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department also received the highest district honor, as Agency of the Year.

At the GRPA State Banquet on November 5, 2025, Columbus again stood out among 159 counties statewide. Trees Columbus received the Volunteer of the Year Award for its impact on park preservation and beautification, and Jared Owens, Parks Services Manager, earned the Parks Maintenance Distinguished Professional Award for his lasting contributions to the field of recreation and park operations.

Mayor Skip Henderson announced plans to proclaim a Day to Honor GRPA Award Recipients in recognition of the department’s achievements at both the state and district levels. The proclamation will celebrate the department’s dedication to serving the Columbus community through innovative programs, strong leadership, and outstanding partnerships.