Clarksville leaders honor Parks and Recreation team for adaptive programming achievements

The City Council of Clarksville, Tennessee, convened for its regular session on May 1, 2025, with a focus on community recognition and engagement. The meeting commenced with Pastor Stephanie Jenkins of In Christ Ministries serving as the chaplain, leading an invocation that emphasized the importance of wisdom and guidance for city officials.

Following the invocation, Councilman Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance, and attendance was confirmed with all members present. The session then transitioned to special recognitions, initiated by Councilman Zacharias, who highlighted the significance of acknowledging community contributions.

Zacharias shared a personal anecdote about his experience with high school students advocating for improved sidewalks, illustrating the disparities in community access. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the Parks and Recreation team for their efforts in creating inclusive programming for citizens with adaptive needs.

The council recognized the team responsible for organizing an adaptive needs roundtable, which has grown from three advocacy agencies to eleven or twelve, showcasing the collaborative efforts to support citizens with diverse requirements. Councilman Zacharias commended the staff for their innovative programming and dedication to inclusivity.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to team members Tina Boischa, Herman Brown, Erica Clark, Kim Gilbert, and Autumn Griffin for their commitment to developing adaptive programming within the Parks and Recreation catalog. The recognition underscored the city's commitment to ensuring accessible opportunities for all residents.

The meeting concluded with Councilman Deanna McLaughlin preparing to present further recognitions, indicating a continued focus on community engagement and acknowledgment of local efforts. Overall, the session highlighted the council's dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for all citizens of Clarksville.