PlayCore, a Chattanooga based company that promotes its mission and values by giving back to communities in a variety of ways, bestows its annual Hero award as a way to recognize the inspirational people they meet throughout the course of business. The award was presented at an industry event in New Orleans, LA on Sept 26.
For 2017, PlayCore chose Jodie Adams, currently with the Department of Kinesiology at Missouri State University in the Parks, Sports and Recreation Management Program, as its winner. As a company that lives by its Mission and Values, PlayCore created the Hero Award to honor people who have made a career of giving back selflessly, with complete dedication to improving the communities they serve. PlayCore President and CEO Roger Posacki explains, “We meet extraordinary people in the course of business, people who have a focused passion on serving communities through knowledge, advocacy, and action. Because of their work, we see meaningful outcomes in health, wellness, and active lifestyles, and the Hero Award is our way of recognizing their tireless effort. Jodie is extremely deserving of this honor.”
Adams, who is an American Academy of Park and Recreation Administrators member, Retired Director of Springfield-Greene County Park Board, and Past President of both the National Recreation and Park Association and the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association, has made a dramatic impact over an amazing career that continues today. At Springfield-Greene County, she was responsible for supervising more than 100 parks and facilities, over 2,000 programs, and a $34 million annual operating budget. She was also instrumental in the park system becoming fully financially sustainable. Her activism continues through a variety of initiatives and education to help ensure active lifestyles for families and communities.
About receiving her award, Jodie commented, “With the greatest sense of gratitude, I would like to publicly thank national industry leader PlayCore for the recognition of the Hero Award. It's humbling to be recognized by my peers for something that I feel extremely passionate about: supporting quality play and educational opportunities for ALL ages throughout the nation.”
As part of the Hero Award, PlayCore will make a $1500 donation to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ Jodie Adams "Go for it Fund”, with funds distributed to Friends of the Garden-a lead partner of Springfield-Greene County Park Board who supports the care and education component of the children's nature grounds and botanical gardens; and Missouri State University - Department of Kinesiology for Recreation and Adaptive Physical Education students.
