By MIKE HUFFMAN
Staff Reporter
In nearly three years since the Cheney Parks and Recreation Department made its phoenix-like resurrection, no one would deny that director Paul Simmons deserves much of the credit.
Earlier this spring, he finally was recognized for it.
The Washington Recreation and Park Association – representing parks programs from all over the state – lauded Simmons as the Young Professional of the Year.
Simmons - who received the honor April 19 in Blaine at the 2007 Professional and Spotlight Awards – was among 378 statewide park and recreational professionals.
“It's a huge honor,” the 28-year-old Simmons said.
“This award was not something I achieved by myself – I had a lot of mentors and help from staff that made it possible.”
The Young Professional award is given to those under the age of 35 that have been in the parks and recreation field for at least five years and have had a record of distinguished service and merit.
The awards ceremony capped a four-day program where parks and recreation officials attended workshops, educational sessions, roundtable discussions and heard from keynote speakers to learn new trends and to network on parks-and-rec-related issues.
Simmons was nominated for the award by Barbara Brock, a professor in the parks and recreation program at Eastern Washington University. Brock said the award is a “very big deal” as it is highly coveted and the nomination process is very secretive.
“He's been a fabulous addition for our degree program here at Eastern,” Brock said, adding that she recommends those in her program get some experience with Simmons' department. “The students just love him.”
Brock added that this is the first year she nominated Simmons for the award.
This year, the Cheney Parks and Rec Department had is budget boosted from $644,500 to $714,100 with a greater amount of expected revenue. An administrative clerk was also added in order to free up more of Simmons' time so he could be out in the field and running the department's programs.
Simmons was also instrumental in a “skills builder” workshop for Eastern Washington last weekend in Spokane Valley. He, along with Spokane Valley's parks and recreation team, co-sponsored the event.
All in all, Simmons said, this year is shaping up nicely – both for him and Cheney Parks and Rec. He said his department, along with improving customer service, has expanded programs, increased participation and is looking to offer more events for special-needs individuals.
“Things are going extremely well,” he said. “It will be a busy summer.”
Simmons is planning to attend the National Recreation and Park Association conference in March 2008.
Mike Huffman can be reached at [email protected]
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