Mayor's Blog

I was honored to recognize the outstanding team at Opelika Parks and Recreation for their recent achievements. Opelika Parks and Recreation took home two awards at the Jan. 31 Alabama Recreation and Parks Association’s (ARPA) conference in Orange Beach.

Opelika Parks and Recreation was named the 2022 Agency of the Year. This award recognizes exemplary agencies in the state that have made contributions to parks and recreation programs on the local, state, regional or national level. 

Opelika’s Champions Academy received the award for Innovative Program of the Year. This award honors programs that demonstrate exceptional innovation in design, presentation and implementation in the parks and recreation field. Covington Area Manager Bobby Nix created Champions Academy to help equip 7^th, 8^th and 9^th grade young men with the character and skills necessary to thrive and contribute to our community.

Additionally, Opelika Parks and Recreation Public Relations Coordinator Laura Leigh Chesser was named President of ARPA. Chesser will lead the 520-member organization during her one-year term. 

I was honored to recognize Oniece Starks, Thomasine Smith, and Brandon Littles for their extraordinary bravery during a local suicide attempt that occurred in December. Due to their acts the citizen is still alive today. 

The Alabama Forestry Commission and Keep Opelika Beautiful recognized Opelika for being a Tree City USA for 35 years. 

I also was honored to present the naming of the new street in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park. It has been named Patsy Boyd Parker Drive in honor of our friend and colleague Patsy Boyd Parker.  Shown L-R Billy Parker, David Scott, Dr. Parker, yours truly, Lori Huguley and Steve Chapman.  Many thanks to the Opelika City Council and OIDA for making this happen!

I was honored to present a goodie bag to all of the Opelika City School teachers of the year. We appreciate all these fantastic educators do for our schools!