Columbus Recreation and Parks Department

Morgen Wade, our Capital & Strategic Planning Administrator, has sought to make city parks feel like a realm of peace and community for Columbus residents! Morgen understands the importance of having an outdoor space that allows a wide variety of people from postpartum moms, corporate workers, adventurous children, nature enthusiasts and more to enjoy all year round. She is excited to see the completion of her latest design, Mason Run Park, which will become an amazing space for members of the Eastland community. "As planners and programmers, we have an opportunity to question the status quo and ask whether there are better ways to serve people through the programs we offer and the way we design our parks and built environment." #WomensHistoryMonth

Dawn Turnage, our Assistant Director of the Youth Development Section, has created opportunities for youth to grow, thrive, and feel a sense of belonging through her work at Columbus Recreation and Parks! Dawn has put in the effort behind service and impact and ensures that every young person has access to programs that empower them to succeed. She spearheaded the restructuring of the APPS Job Readiness Program alongside Cap City Festivals, giving youth paid hands-on experiences and celebrating communities across Columbus. "Stay committed to service, build meaningful connections, and always reach back to uplift those coming after you because true leadership is about opening doors for others while walking through your own."

Sheri-Lynn Wynn, our Afterschool Administrator, has been impacting the lives of young scholars in the city for the past 25 years! Sheri-Lynn has served the Columbus community with passion and purpose. She has assisted in curating city programming that develops Columbus' leaders of tomorrow through the City Leaders Academy and After School programs. Her advice to the next generation of female professionals is: "Remain humble. Learn all you can by keeping your eyes and ears open wide."

Annie Brown, our sports recreation administrative manager, has been a beacon in the Columbus community for 27 years! Straight out of college, Annie joined the department and jumped into public service with passion and determination, dedicating her career to making a positive impact on people’s lives. Today, she continues to inspire and empower the next generation of young female professionals, urging them to embrace every challenge. Her words of wisdom: "Embrace challenges and failures as opportunities to grow; they’re stepping stones on your path to success." #WomensHistoryMonth

Kennedy Billups, an assistant manager of the Applying Purpose and Passion to Service (APPS) Job Readiness Program, was honored in the National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA) 30 Under 30 Program! Through her dedication to impacting the lives of young professionals in Columbus, Kennedy has connected 342 youth with internships and career opportunities, provided vital resources to thousands, created inclusive and engaging experiences across historically underserved neighborhoods and more.

Kennedy Billups, an assistant manager of the Applying Purpose and Passion to Service (APPS) Job Readiness Program, was honored in the National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA) 30 Under 30 Program! Through her dedication to impacting the lives of young professionals in Columbus, Kennedy has connected 342 youth with internships and career opportunities, provided vital resources to thousands, created inclusive and engaging experiences across historically underserved neighborhoods and more.

Meet Columbus Recreation and Parks Commission President Letha Pugh—a true trailblazer who is moving our community forward! With unwavering dedication as a small business owner, servant leader, wife and mother, Letha has consistently championed progress in Columbus. She co-founded Bake Me Happy and Preston’s, delighting our community with gluten-free treats. She also helped launch Black, Out and Proud (BOP) while serving as board president of Stonewall Columbus. We’re grateful to Letha for her leadership in connecting our community with nature, wellness and creativity through the power of recreation and parks, and how she has inspired and lifted up many women in our community. Learn more about how Letha is inspiring change and paving the way for future generations. #WomensHistoryMonth

?? Do you offer summer programming to kids? ?? Expand your impact this summer by joining the Go Lunch! program. We provide FREE meals to help fuel the children in your programs from June 2 to August 15. Apply today to become a host site and ensure no child goes hungry this summer. ??: Applications are open until March 28. ??: Click the link to apply now! bit.ly/3WezLaF #SummerMeals #GoLunch #CommunityImpact #NoChildHungry

Happy Women's History Month! Celebrate Women's History Month with us as we highlight amazing women in our department and their vital roles in our city all month! #WomensHistoryMonth

To close out Black History Month we visited The King Arts Complex for an educational tour of their facility! Columbus Recreation and Parks staff gathered to learn about the rich history, culture and arts of the African American community.