APR Innovators is an Asheville Parks & Recreation series highlighting team members going above and beyond to bring huge value to community members through knowledge, connections, and insight that come from a desire to create the best city possible through the power of high-quality recreation programs and safe parks that welcome everyone.
When did you join the Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) team?
I joined the team in December of 2018 as the Youth Community Athletics Program Coordinator and currently serve as the Adult Community Athletics Program Coordinator.
I wanted to have a continued impact within the Shiloh community that raised me through my first love, which is athletics. A lot of my mentors throughout the city have held some type of leadership position in or partnership with APR, so it was a natural transition for me after playing collegiate basketball. It provides an opportunity to answer a calling and walk in a purpose beyond myself. The sports themselves are miniscule compared to the impact you have through communal connection.
How have you grown professionally by working with APR?
By having the opportunity to work beside individuals who carry a wealth of knowledge and share similar experiences in this space like Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center Manager Tameka Hill Crudup. APR also provides ample opportunities for training across multiple realms whether connecting with other athletics coordinators throughout the state or preparation for future management positions.
Which accomplishments are you most proud of in terms of your work with the department?
I am most proud of the community connections I have ushered into APR from my work outside of the City of Asheville and also expanding our traditional and nontraditional sports to be able to offer the same sport or an opportunity to different ages, competition levels, or in other ways for someone to try something new in environments that are interesting, supportive, and fun.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I am an author, playwright, and film director, so I create a lot of original work in my free time in addition to creating community events inspired by the arts. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
How would you complete this sentence: I work for Asheville Parks & Recreation because…
APR allows me to continue to work in an area of supreme impact and intention as well as providing space for growth and evolvement, both personally and professionally.
Join Maria and other parks and recreation professionals making significant impact as they work to build a strong, healthy, and happy place to live. Current opportunities to work with Asheville Parks & Recreation can be found online.