Milton’s Parks and Recreation Department and two of its employees received regional honors from the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association, the city announced Oct. 23.
The department won Agency of the Year for GRPA District 7. Outdoor Recreation Supervisor Jen Young, known as “Ranger Jen,” earned Parks and Outdoors Professional of the Year, while Recreation Coordinator Matthew Graney was named Programmer of the Year.
The awards were presented at a ceremony in northeast Georgia the previous week, according to the city’s announcement. District 7 stretches across northeast Georgia, including Fulton, Fannin, Rabun and Elbert counties.
Milton’s department has five full-time employees. Director Tom McKlveen credited staff, program providers and volunteers for its work and said the recognition encouraged continued efforts to serve residents.
Young oversees outdoor recreation programming, hosts the nature-focused Wildlife 101 podcast and helps maintain the city’s trails and parks.
Graney joined Milton in August 2022. His work includes developing recreation offerings and supporting existing programs, with activities serving residents from infants in Baby + Me through senior citizens.
The department previously received Agency of the Year honors in 2016 and 2021, according to a 2021 city Facebook post.
The latest recognition comes as Milton expands recreation opportunities and improves its parks. The city said it is also working to open more greenspace and exploring a possible recreation facility in the Deerfield area.
