Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount Airy, North Carolina, is a small but notable place: it’s Andy Griffith’s hometown, and the basis for the fictional town of Mayberry in the “Andy Griffith Show.” It’s also (for any igneous rock buffs out there) home to the largest open-face granite quarry in the world. In my opinion, Mount Airy should really be known for the incredible work of Darren Lewis, director of Mount Airy Parks and Recreation. Lewis is a star participant in the Park Champion initiative, NRPA’s award-winning grassroots advocacy program, and a recipient of the 2018 Park Champion of the Year Award.
The NRPA Public Policy Committee selected Lewis as the winner of the Park Champion of the Year Award. As part of the award, he was recognized at NRPA’s Annual Conference in Indianapolis and will receive round-trip lodging and airfare for himself and a member of his staff to travel to Washington, D.C., to advocate for parks and recreation on Capitol Hill.
Lewis was selected for hosting Congresswoman Virginia Foxx at the August 30 ribbon-cutting for Mount Airy Parks and Recreation’s new pocket park, followed by an afterschool snack served from the agency’s meal van. The pocket park lies along the Granite City Greenway, a 6.5-mile paved track that connects the town and adds a world-class activity for residents and tourists alike. The pocket park has green space, new restrooms, water fountains and even a shady rest stop with hammocks where trail users can relax during or after a ride.
The day began with a dedication ceremony featuring the congresswoman, town officials and Lewis, who mentioned the congresswoman’s status as chairwoman of the House Education and Workforce Committee and made an impassioned pitch for the USDA Summer Food Service and Afterschool Meals programs. Congresswoman Foxx followed up on Lewis’ comments by speaking about the importance of these programs and the need to streamline the application process.
After the speaking program, Congresswoman Foxx cut the ribbon for the new pocket park and passed out pieces of the ribbon to each of Mount Airy Parks and Rec’s summer camp participants. She then joined the campers in making a healthy snack: a yogurt cone with fresh peaches and granola. The meal was served from Mount Airy’s meal van, which was purchased with an NRPA Commit to Health grant and allows the agency to serve meals and snacks at different park and recreation centers throughout the community. This event gave Congresswoman Foxx the chance to see how Mount Airy is using the USDA’s summer and afterschool programs to fight childhood hunger and provide enrichment to children when school is not in session.
According to Lewis, inviting Congresswoman Foxx to his events was a no-brainer: “Commissioners are very impressed with all the elected officials in attendance. They’re excited to see members of Congress at your events, as it recognizes the value of what you offer.”
Lewis has been a participant in the Park Champion initiative for two years, accessing NRPA’s tools and resources. This includes the Park Champion Advocacy Toolkit, NRPA’s step-by-step guide to inviting members of Congress to an upcoming event. He says, “Anytime that you can bring out your local, state or national officials is only going to speak volumes for what we all do. It shows that Mount Airy Parks and Recreation is a necessity. That’s a challenge for parks and recreation in general — changing the mindset that we’re not a nicety, but a necessity. Hosting events like this is another way to show that.”
Many NRPA members who are public employees hesitate to participate in advocacy. However, the Park Champion initiative is designed primarily to educate members of Congress about your parks and programs. It’s certainly worth the effort when it comes to visibility for your agency. As Lewis puts it, “The publicity that we’ve received, at the state, local and national level with the event we hosted and receiving the Park Champion of the Year Award has reiterated the importance of our department and what we do for the community.”
Congratulations to Darren Lewis and all the finalists for the 2018 Park Champion of the Year Award! Are you the next Park Champion of the Year? Sign up to be a Park Champion and get started inviting your members of Congress to your next event.
Jayni Rasmussen is NRPA’s Advocacy and Outreach Manager.