Partners for Parks Celebrates Sponsors and Friends

Weather Not a Worry for Rescheduled Event

Everyone loves a party, especially one that celebrates dozens of sponsors and friends rallied around a single goal. And when the location and backdrop reflect the results of this communal effort… well, that’s even more reason for applause.

The tenth annual Partners for Parks Awards and Sponsor Celebration recognized 63 Annual Sponsors and presented five awards to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting and enhancing regional parks, greenways, open spaces, active play and recreational opportunities. More than 75 partners enjoyed enjoyed cuisine from Savory Moments and entertainment provided by DJ Brad Nathanson’s GottaSwing Charlotte.

“These award winners show that there is a community-wide commitment to parks and open space,” said Beth Poovey, current president of Partners for Parks. “Partners for Parks feels it’s important to showcase their role in protecting those parks and open space for everyone’s long-term enjoyment.”

This year’s annual award winners are:

• Brad Davis Lifetime Achievement Award: Riley Fields
• Joe Cogdell Volunteer Service Award: Elaine Powell
• Non-Profit Organization Award: NC Wildlife Great Outdoors University
• Project Recognition Award: First Ward Park
• Corporate Recognition Award: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

“Supporting Partners for Parks is a natural for us,” said annual sponsor Paul Pennell of Urban Design Partners. “We’re in the business of creating active, memorable, spaces that people can use every day… and that’s what we all want to see in our parks, too.”

 Read more about this year’s award winners here!

“The new Cordelia Park Indoor Pavilion was a great choice for this year’s celebration,” said Al Brown, Partners for Parks Treasurer and chair of the Annual Sponsor Campaign. “It’s a great setting with a beautiful view of our Uptown skyline.  We sincerely appreciate all our Annual Sponsors whose support provide us resources to fulfill our Vision of Breathing Life Into Our Communities.”

The event was postponed by a day from its original calendar date when weather from hurricane Michael closed all Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation facilities for the day. Thankfully, Cordelia Park was reopened the next day and many sponsors and guests were able to attend the rescheduled event.

“Thank you again to all of the organizations, partners, and sponsors that help make this event successful and our parksa priority,” added Poovey.