At the most recent District III meeting of the Alabama Recreation & Park Association (ARPA), leaders from around the state honored staff and volunteers who stand out in Parks and Recreation. Among a long list of city and local associations making an impact, one city stood out with multiple winners across categories: Pelham.
Brian Cooper, Director of Pelham Parks & Recreation, took time during the meeting to thank all the staff and volunteers for the outstanding work they put into this season and said, "Pelham Parks and Recreation has a great working relationship with ARPA helping to foster the ARPAs mission "... to enhance the quality of life for Alabama citizens every day."
Jay Logan, District III Chair and Director of Community Outreach, Athletics, and Senior Programming at Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority, awarded this year's winners, including four from Pelham Parks & Recreation.
Jared Thornton
ARPA District III Innovative Program of the Year - NHL Street
Recreation Coordinator Jared Thornton recognized an exciting opportunity to bring NHL Street to Pelham. Capitalizing on the popularity of the Birmingham Bulls ice hockey team, this emerging sport offers a highly affordable and accessible way for youth to engage in hockey off the ice first. Jared built a strong partnership with the Bulls to ensure the program's success. The team provided officials for the NHL Street Hockey league and sent current players to several "Learn to Play" sessions. These players helped teach the game and gave participants a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This groundbreaking program has become a resounding success thanks to Jared's innovative vision and collaboration.
Learn more about the NHL Street format at nhlstreet.com.
Jake Dickens
ARPA District III Merit in Parks Award
"Jake of all trades," Jake Dickens, has been a vital part of Pelham Parks & Recreation for 14 years. Known for his "can-do" attitude, Jake has become an indispensable asset to both the maintenance and youth sports teams. His dedication to field and facility maintenance is unmatched, but Recreation Coordinator Charlie Sanders notes, "it is in his role as the evening athletic assistant that his true value shines." Jake’s unwavering commitment to creating the best possible experience for youth sports participants—whether it's the youngest T-ball player or the most seasoned grade-level athlete—sets him apart. His passion and attention to detail ensure that the youth sports program runs seamlessly, making him an integral part of its success.
Tabitha Dudley
ARPA District and State New Professional Award 2024
Since joining the Parks & Recreation department in 2022, Tabitha Dudley has consistently shown an exceptional dedication to enhancing the operations of our Recreation Center. Her efforts to boost resident awareness and engagement led to an impressive 23% growth in Rec Center membership in 2024. A champion of technology-driven communication, Tabitha ensures effective and engaging outreach to both members and the broader community. Tabitha's professional development is equally noteworthy. She is an active member of ARPA, completed ARPA's LEAD leadership training in 2022, regularly attends District meetings, and participated in the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference. Her hard work and drive deliver tangible results and inspire her coworkers to strive for excellence. Tabitha is truly a force for positive change within our department.
Jim Collins
ARPA Community Service Award - Pelham Garden Club
Jim Collins, a dedicated Garden Club leadership team member, has made a remarkable impact on the Pelham community through his tireless service. Under his guidance, the Garden Club has removed 30-40 truckloads of invasive plants from the Pelham Greenway Trail at City Park. Their efforts have also resulted in the planting of 140 trees and the cultivation of a half-acre wildflower meadow to attract pollinators, supporting Pelham's Bee City designation. Beyond his hands-on contributions, Jim shares his talents as a photographer, capturing the beauty of Pelham through his lens. His passion for showcasing the city's landscapes and natural charm drives his commitment to making Pelham a more vibrant and beautiful place for everyone.
Congratulations to this year's winners! Each award winner will move on to be considered for awards at the state level.