WILMINGTON, DE — In a recent announcement that has brought pride to the city, Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Parks and Recreation Director Ian Smith revealed that the city’s Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded two significant honors. These awards underscore the city’s commitment to providing high-quality recreational facilities and programs for its residents.
One of these accolades, the “Outstanding Organization Award” for 2023, was bestowed by the Delaware Recreation & Parks Society (DRPS) at its annual conference earlier this month. The DRPS, an affiliate of the National Recreation and Park Association, presents this award annually to an organization recognized for its outstanding and exemplary field programming work. This year marked the first time the City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation Department received the honor.
The department’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as the DRPS serves as a unifying body that brings together everyone involved in structured activities relating to recreation and parks in the state of Delaware. Winning this award therefore places the Wilmington Parks and Recreation Department at the forefront of recreational services in the state.
In addition to the DRPS award, the William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center, a facility under the Wilmington Parks and Recreation Department, was named the “2023 Gym of the Year” by the Mid-Atlantic Association of USA Boxing. This award is no small feat, given that over 75 gyms in the Mid-Atlantic Region vie for this coveted title. The award evaluates contenders based on their participation in shows and competitions, the number of boxers they train across different weight classes, and the adherence of the coaching staff to USA Boxing’s code of ethics.
This recognition comes after the Purzycki administration completed a nearly $4 million renovation of the center, located at 501 North Madison Street, in 2019. This refurbishment, the first full-scale interior and exterior makeover of the center in many years, has transformed it into a valuable community resource. The “Hicks” Anderson Center reopened to the public in February 2020 and served as a crucial community hub during the coronavirus pandemic.
Accepting the awards, Director Smith said, “It’s an honor to lead a department that has been recognized for our commitment to the youth who use our parks and facilities every day. These awards are a reflection of our dedication to the community, and our commitment towards excellence.”
Mayor Purzycki echoed these sentiments, congratulating Director Smith, Deputy Director Melody Phillips, and their entire team on the well-deserved honor. He stated, “This recognition validates our commitment to providing high-quality facilities and programming for our young people. They deserve nothing less than the best we can provide.”
These awards highlight the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance its recreational facilities and services. From the revamped “Hicks” Anderson Center and upgraded playgrounds and splash parks across the city, to inclusive and innovative programming, Wilmington continues to invest substantially in its next generation. This recognition serves as a testament to the city’s dedication to nurturing its youth and fostering a vibrant, active community.
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