February 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 39

Kimberly Krieger, 25
Graphic Designer, Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department (FL)
Kimberly Krieger joined Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department in Florida,
first as an intern and then as a graphic designer for its outreach and marketing team.
Her ability to communicate in Spanish combined with her passion to enrich the lives
of others allowed the department to expand its outreach efforts to include the growing
number of Spanish-speaking communities through participation in health and wellness
fairs and community engagement events in multicultural neighborhoods. Her passion for
improving her community also is evident in the way she communicates the benefits of
parks and recreation through her graphic design work.
Andrew J. Lopez, 29
Parks and Recreation Supervisor, City of Hialeah (FL)
As the parks and recreation supervisor for the City of Hialeah Department of Parks and Recreation
in Florida, Andrew J. Lopez oversees all aquatics facilities. The biggest challenge he faced
early on in his role was a shortage of lifeguards. With applications slowly coming in, Lopez
created a program where patrons could obtain lifeguard and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR)/automated external defibrillator (AED) certifications through the city for free or at a
low cost. Also, applicants had the opportunity to be hired by the city (seasonal/permanent).
The program proved successful, as Lopez hired more than 10 lifeguards to reopen the water
park facility to an eager public.
Christiana Marasa, 24
Recreation Aide - Fitness, City of Port St. Lucie Parks and Recreation Department (FL)
As a key member of the Port
St. Lucie Parks and Recreation Department
(PSLPRD) in Florida, Christiana Marasa is a testament to commitment, dedication
and innovative leadership. In her role for the department, Marasa works in two
city fitness centers, leading fitness classes and working with a diverse membership,
providing personal training, instruction and more. Her impact on the community
is demonstrated through her focus on innovative research in the field of parks and
recreation. Marasa specifically focuses on research connecting neuroscience through
fitness. She has risen quickly as a major contributor to the life-altering programs and
services that PSLPRD offers.
Chasity McCurdy, 29
Assistant Recreation and Parks Superintendent, Greenville Recreation and Parks (NC)
Chasity McCurdy began her career as a recreation assistant for specialized recreation
with the City of Greenville Recreation and Parks in North Carolina. As an assistant,
she planned and implemented programs for individuals with special needs. McCurdy
also worked with nonprofits, such as Easter Seals, to secure funds for the department's
inclusion program and adapted programming. Acquiring these funds broke
down barriers for individuals who otherwise would not have been able to participate
in recreational programs. After proving her leadership and initiative, McCurdy was
promoted to recreation supervisor for specialized recreation, creating standards and
best practices for inclusion services.
PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | FEBR U AR Y 2 0 22 | Parks & Recreation
39

February 2022 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2022 - Parks & Recreation