IPRA 2021 Awards of Excellence Winners, continued

from page 39 our community and beyond. There is no better individual to honor with this award than Steve. 20 years of work as Hamilton County Council member, plus 50 years of activism for the field of outdoor recreation sets him apart from many elected officials. Whether that be donating cases of fishing poles to support parks programming or fighting for funding to expand parks footprint and staffing. He has been instrumental in the success of Hamilton County

Parks and Recreation Department. His personal engagement with parks staff and individuals from the community has been a blessing in so many ways. “ ‘What do you need?’ is the most common phrase I have heard from Councilman Schwartz over all these years, and he truly wants to know how he can provide this department with the proper tools to be successful.” Deputy Director Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department.

Andrew Terry Prather, Hamilton County Parks & Recreation Board President

Terry Prather – A Passion for Parks…and Service Without Andrew “Terry” Prather, it’s fair to say that Hamilton County Parks and Recreation (HCPR) may not have become the parks department known for its deep commitment to service. In 1985, Terry was appointed to the HCPR parks board and subsequently became board president, a position he continues to hold, making for a remarkable span of 37 years serving in the parks and recreation field! Mr. Prather oversaw HCPR’s growth from a fledgling county agency to a fullservice parks department, responsible for managing 1,800 acres of land and trails throughout Hamilton County. Terry authorized key projects ranging from the development of Strawtown Koteewi Park, the county’s largest park, to accommodating a land donation that resulted in the creation of the stately Coxhall Gardens. As founding member of Friends of Hamilton County Parks, Inc. parks foundation, Terry served as treasurer from 2005 – 2018. Terry’s

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