Acworth Parks and Recreation Employees Honored

City of Acworth Press Release

Two team members were recognized for their exemplary performance over the last year by their peers Wednesday, Oct. 19, in Smyrna.

Each year the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association’s Fifth District, consisting of all the Parks and Recreation agencies in Northwest Georgia, holds their annual awards banquet to recognize the top professionals within the district for their performance. Lauren Ham and Aaron Ross both received awards from the District.

Lauren Ham, who currently serves as the city’s Special Populations Coordinator, received the “Outstanding Programmer of the Year Award.” Ham oversees all senior citizen and special needs programs for the city. She has been instrumental in the success of the Horizon Field and its continued growth. She has a unique ability to create relationships with program participants, their families, and community organizations that support the Horizon Field.

Aaron Ross was recognized as the “Outstanding Facility and Grounds Maintenance Staff Member of the Year.” Ross started with the department more than four years ago as an intern. He was promoted to Parks Operations Manager in July of this year where he oversees the operation and maintenance of the city’s 13 parks and more than 800 acres of green space. Ross' servant leadership and “get it done” type of attitude provides tremendous support to his
peers within the department and quality leadership to his team.

“We are extremely proud of them,” said James Albright, the city’s Parks and Recreation Director. “Our Department’s success heavily depends on the quality of people we have serving our community. Both employees take great pride in their jobs and it shows!”