Oxford Park Commission Excels at MRPA Conference

News Summary

The Oxford Park Commission (OPC) made a significant impact at the Mississippi Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) conference, winning three first-place awards. Felisa McKnight received the MRPA Professional of the Year award for her commitment to community recreation. The OPC also earned the Hayward “Bo” Phillips Award of Merit for their community basketball court, highlighting their dedication to enhancing social engagement through recreational facilities. Aaron Barton showcased successful youth fishing camps, contributing to the growing popularity of outdoor activities in Lafayette County.

Oxford Park Commission Shines at MRPA Conference!

In the heart of Mississippi, the Oxford Park Commission (OPC) has just returned from the annual Mississippi Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) conference, and let’s just say they made quite the splash! The event, hosted in beautiful Natchez, saw the OPC bagging not one, not two, but three first-place plaques—marking a grand achievement as they have now taken home awards seven times since 2016.

A Celebrated Leader

Amid the accolades, the spotlight was especially bright on Felisa McKnight, the dedicated Recreation Director at the OPC. She was honored with the prestigious MRPA Professional of the Year award. This honor recognizes professionals who demonstrate outstanding service and commitment to enhancing recreation in their communities. McKnight leads an array of initiatives at the OPC, including youth camps, the League of Champions series, and cheerleading programs—all designed to uplift and engage the community’s youth. Being recognized in such a capacity was a surprising and humbling moment for her, especially as she shared this achievement with her family and colleagues who support her work.

Highlighting Community Hubs

But that’s not all! The OPC also claimed the esteemed Hayward “Bo” Phillips Award of Merit for their basketball court and park located on South 18th Street. This basketball court isn’t just a place to shoot hoops; it serves a vital role in the community, breaking down social barriers and welcoming individuals from all walks of life. According to Mark Levy, Director of Special Projects for the City of Oxford, these spaces transform how people interact and engage, especially among underserved demographics. With this latest win, the OPC has now received the Hayward “Bo” Phillips award a whopping seven times since 2015. Past award-winning parks include the Ulysses “Coach” Howell Center, mTrade Park, and John Leslie Tennis Courts—all excellent examples of enhancing community engagement.

Reeling in Success

Aaron Barton, owner of Barton Outfitters, showcased the significance of recreation programming at the conference. He was awarded the Recreation Programming Award of Merit for his innovative youth fishing camps at Sardis Lake. These camps, started with the intention of encouraging his kids and their friends to embrace fishing, focus on conservation efforts while providing those involved with a chance to connect with nature. For Barton, receiving this award—his third in this category since 2016—highlights the community’s support and the importance of promoting outdoor activities to foster a sense of adventure and escape from the digital world.

Looking to the Future

Barton’s camps are not just about learning to fish; they aim to fill a notable gap in outdoor programming for youth in Lafayette County, ensuring the next generation appreciates and nurtures the environment. The excitement around these camps is a testament to the growing popularity of outdoor activities, especially as families look for screen-free ways to engage with each other and the community.

A Bright Future for Oxford

With the Oxford Park Commission leading by example, it’s clear that their commitment to enhancing community life through recreation is more vibrant than ever. Each award serves as a reminder of the impact these organizations have, not only in offering facilities and programs but in acting as cornerstones of community engagement and support.

As the OPC continues to innovate and inspire, we can all look forward to more exciting developments in Oxford, Mississippi. Whether it’s casting a line at Sardis Lake or shooting hoops at the local park, there’s no doubt that the future looks bright for recreational activities in this lively community!

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Additional Resources

• Oxford Eagle: OPC Takes Home Three First Place Awards
• WCBI: Mississippi Man Awarded Outstanding Sportsman Award in Oxford
• Covington News: Oxford College Legend Honored with Prestigious Award
• BBC News
• Twin Cities: St. Paul Hopes to Reopen Oxford Jimmy Lee Rec This Month
• Wikipedia: Oxford
• Google Search: Oxford Park Commission
• Google Scholar: Oxford Community Recreation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Oxford
• Google News: Oxford Park Commission