The North Texas Aquatics Association (NTAA) named the City of Plano’s Parks & Recreation Department the 2022 Agency of the Year, according to a city email announcement.
Plano’s Parks & Recreation Department was also awarded the 2022 Program of the Year Award for the Adapted FlowRider classes offered at Jack Carter Pool each summer.
The NTAA has 71 agency members and includes 39 North Texas municipal parks and recreation agencies throughout Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas. The Agency of the Year Award recognizes the impact an agency has made through its programs, quality of life, wellness, safety, and innovation.
The Program of the Year Award recognizes a program that has significantly impacted youth and families within a community.
Part of the recognition is based on Plano’s expansion of programs for underserved populations, the city stated.
The adapted FlowRider lessons, traditional learn-to-swim classes, and Sensory Friendly Days for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders have continued to grow in popularity, the city stated.
Plano Parks & Recreation has built a reputation for excellence over the years partly due to its history of quality aquatic classes, Director Ron Smith said in a prepared statement.
The department is a top provider for Red Cross Learn to Swim classes and trains thousands of children and adults each year to be safe in, on and around the water, Smith stated. “More than 13,000 individuals benefitted from the department’s aquatics offerings in 2022, with 86 percent of them being Plano residents,” Smith said. “Working together with our community to improve the health and well-being of all is key to everything we do.” Plano Parks & Recreation has also received national recognition.
It is one of five agencies nationwide to maintain national accreditation status for more than 25 years.
Additionally, it has been ranked No. 1 in Texas by the Trust for Public Land since 2015.
More information about Plano Parks & Recreation is available online.
