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. Bob Farnsworth, PlayCore CEO explains, “We are continually inspired by the people we encounter, people who have made a career of giving back selflessly, with complete dedication to improving the communities they serve. These are the true heroes of any community –spending their time with no expectation of recognition, in order to make a difference. Their dedication mirrors PlayCore’s mission and values, so we wanted to find a way to recognize them and honor their commitment.”
PlayCore chose Jane Adams, Executive Director of the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) as the 2014 recipient. As one of the largest park and recreation professional organizations in the country with over 4200 members, CPRS provides leadership to advance the positive impact and value of the profession on society. Adams, who retires this month, has served CPRS for 25 years. During her tenure CPRS developed several initiatives that have advanced the profession of parks and recreation nationwide. These initiatives include the VIP Action Plan, Creating Community through People, Parks, and Programs, the successful Parks Make Life Better!® statewide branding campaign, numerous statewide park bonds, and educational programs.
Jane has made an impact by serving as the CPRS spokesperson to national, state, and local government officials; nonprofit organizations; and federal and state agencies. She has been instrumental implementing programs at the state level, and also advocating nationwide to develop collaborative relationships that achieve professional and organizational goals.
The award was presented at the 2014 California Parks and Recreation Training Conference in Ontario, California on March 5. As part of the award, PlayCore will make a $1500 donation to Jane’s charity of choice, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
