SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/634578
January 2016 24 www.sportseventsmagazine.com R E C O G N I T I O N I S S U E t on quality of life projects that include the building of a baseball/softball tournament complex, expansion of our soccer complex and upgrading existing parks to meet the demands of our growing community," he said. He credits the vision of the County Commission and County Administration as to what sets his organization apart, along with their dedication to upgrading oferings related to recreation centers, campgrounds, nature centers and sports tourism. MIKE FARRELL Parks and Recreation Director City of Monroe Monroe, WA 10 Years In That Position Even if you're small, think big. That could well sum up the City of Monroe's approach to parks and recreation under the leadership of Mike Farrell. He's had to get creative to make the splash in events his organization has hosted. "Despite working with a small budget, our Parks and Recreation Department has grown in the area of hosting large special events that have brought a positive economic impact to our community of 17,000," he says. Those special events include the Tri Monroe USA Triathlon Elite Race Series and the Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour, which draws more than 6,000 people and is nationally televised. "The special events that we host, with help from the Snohomish County Sports Commission, make our small organization stand out from the others," Farrell says. STACY FOWLER Adult Athletic Coordinator Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation Lawrenceville, GA 17+ Years In That Position Stacy Fowler special- izes in glory days. The longtime Adult Athletic Coordinator for Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation directly super- vises all adult athletic programs and events, which means he gives adults in northwest Georgia a chance to relive the heyday of their youth—one game at a time. "I have the privilege of organizing adult athletic leagues and watching people enjoy themselves," he says. "Whether it is a child watching their parents participate in a ball game, a group of senior softball players enjoying fellowship and talking about 'old' times or a dad getting the game-winning hit to secure a victory for his team—there are not many things better in my eyes than see- ing a smile on someone's face." But that's just one of the things that Fowler loves about his job. He also enjoys his coworkers and other parks and recreation professionals he's built relationships with over the years. "I have been lucky to learn from and work with some brilliant recreation minds," he says. "There are so many to name, I couldn't begin to name them without leaving some- one out." Fowler's job may sound like it's all fun and games, but Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation fulflls an even greater communi- ty need than providing an outlet for compe- tition and camaraderie. Year round wellness WHERE DEDICATION TO YOUR SUCCESSFUL EVENT IS OUR BADGE OF HONOR. OPEN UP TO DEDICATION Just minutes north of Seattle, you'll find a great selection of sports venues for your event. In addition to complete event organization assistance, you'll find over 5,000 hotel rooms, endless outdoor adventures and unlimited opportunities for fun. Contact Tammy Dunn, CSEE at 888-338-0976, ext. 102