Title
Recognition of Mayor Vaughan for Being Awarded the North Carolina Recreation and Parks Association Top Legislator for 2015.
Body
Department: Parks and Recreation
Council District: All
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Wade Walcutt, Parks and Recreation Director, 336-373-2964
Contact 2 and Phone: Marcie Metzger, Executive Assistant, 336-373-2559
PURPOSE:
To honor the NCRPA Top Legislator recipient, Mayor Nancy Vaughan
BACKGROUND:
Mayor Nancy Vaughan has been critical to the success of the field of parks and recreation in Greensboro and beyond. She has been so instrumental in lobbying efforts, strategically aligning resources and demonstrating the power of parks and recreation, other community leaders have taken note and have tried to duplicate. As an elected official in the capacity of a Councilwoman or Mayor, she has always known the benefits of parks and recreation is often woven into the very fabric of community. She possesses a rare skill set which is a refreshing approach to an elected official’s perspective. For example, Mayor Vaughan’s acts upon and shares similar views on the social importance and contributions to quality of life:
• Parks, gardens and programs are a tangible reflection of the quality of life in any community. They provide identity for residents and are a major factor in the perception of quality of life. Parks and recreation services are often cited as one of the most important factors in surveys of how livable communities are;
• Parks provide gathering places for families and social groups, as well as for people of all ages and economic status, regardless of their ability to pay for access;
• Programs provide places for health and well-being that are accessible by persons of all ages and abilities, especially to those with different abilities;
• Access to parks and recreation opportunities has been strongly linked to reductions in crime and to reduced juvenile delinquency;
• Parks have a value that transcend the amount of dollars invested or the revenues gained from fees. Our parks, gardens and programs provide a sense of public pride and cohesion.
Mayor Vaughan’s passion for parks and recreation is coupled with her ability to strategically align resources to create efficiencies, while elevating the benefits of parks and recreation across party lines and municipalities. Specifically Mayor Vaughan’s support of parks and recreation and actions have lead to enhancing quality of life, improving health and wellness, increasing conservation efforts and increasing the significant economic impacts for the community. It’s through her vision, continued leadership and subsequent action she has paved the way toward building better lives and a better community.
When Mayor Vaughan is not leading council on parks and recreation initiatives or serving Greensboro Beautiful INC., (a non-profit, 501 ( c )3 volunteer organization dedicated to partnering with the City to conserve and enhance the beauty and ecology of our community), she often takes advantage of opportunities to promote the power of parks and recreation through the media and other public engagements. For example, Mayor Vaughan participated in the public screening of the hit TV series finale of Parks and Recreation, dressed up like none other, than Leslie Knope! For other examples of how she supports parks and recreation please see the attached publications and links. As you can see, Mayor Vaughan is a tireless advocate and has made a substantial impact. Please contact me if you have any questions, or would like me to provide further details.
BUDGET IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Recognition Only