Recreation and Parks Department Receives State Award for Inclusivity Event

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. (Nov. 23, 2021) – The City of Sandy Springs received the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association’s (GRPA) Recreation Programming Network Outstanding Special Event Award for its Dino Egg Hunt for children with disabilities. Jane Jarrett, program manager for the City’s Recreation and Parks department, accepted the award at the GRPA’s annual conference held on Tuesday, Nov. 2 in Columbus, Ga.

The Dino Egg Hunt, hosted by the City’s Recreation and Parks department along with the North Perimeter Optimist Club, was a free, dinosaur-inspired egg hunt at Sandy Springs’ Morgan Falls Overlook Park held on April 3.

“The Dino Egg Hunt was a family event where children with disabilities and their siblings could participate, interact with each other and create a sense of community,” said Mayor Rusty Paul. “Events like these speak to the character of our great city, and I couldn’t be happier that our Recreation and Parks department was recognized for their efforts.”

The event was monitored by staff for safety and included an elevated egg hunt area to accommodate children who use wheelchairs. Also included were carnival games and dinosaur-themed inflatables.

Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, reservations were required to ensure social distancing. Prepackaged snacks and water bottles were provided as well. The event had two sessions for the hunt, both with a maximum of 20 participants for social distancing. This event did not include music in consideration of participants with sensory sensitivity.

Over the years, the department has provided programming to children with disabilities and their families. The next event is the Movie Night for Children with Disabilities scheduled for Friday, Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. at City Springs.

For information about the City of Sandy Springs, please visit www.sandyspringsga.gov, or call the Citizen Response Center at 770-730-5600. Follow breaking news and traffic alerts on Twitter and community news on Facebook.

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