Lyons Rec. Dept. Names 2025 GRPA Agency of the Year

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The Lyons Recreation Department has been recognized for their excellence in serving local youth, as they have been named the First District 2025 Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) Agency of the Year for agencies ser ving populations of 20,001-50,000 constituents.

This award recognizes parks and recreation agencies that go above and beyond their purpose of facilitating spor ts competition and providing a safe and healthy atmosphere for the community to enjoy. The Agency of the Year award is judged across seven districts with recreation departments competing in one of five population categories. Departments are evaluated on several criteria, including new and innovative programs, major accomplishments, staff development, budget management, facility

AGENCY OF THE YEAR — The Lyons Recreation Department has been named the First District 2025 Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) Agency of the Year for agencies serving populations of 20,001-50,000 constituents. L to R: Caden Hall, Cornelius Bullard, Lyons Recreation Director James McGowan, Derrick Sanders, Chase Stone, Demetrius Phillips, Laura Inman. continued from page

improvements, and social media engagement.

Lyons City Manager Jason Hall emphasized that this award reflects the Lyons Recreation Department’s dedication to providing quality parks, programs, and services that enhance the community. “I am very proud of the work [Lyons Recreation Director] James [McGowan] and his team do to make recreation great in Lyons,” he remarked.

McGowan also spoke about the recognition. “We are beyond honored to be named the First District 2025 Georgia Recreation and Park Association Agency of the Year! This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible community families who come out to our programs and events, our dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy, and our amazing staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes every day,” he explained. “We are truly humbled and grateful for the continued support that makes the Lyons Recreation Department so special.”