Congratulations to Milton’s own Jen Young, who has earned the prestigious honor as the state of Georgia’s top recreation program professional.

As our City’s Outdoor Recreation Supervisor, “Ranger Jen” is the brains, energy, and captivating  attitude behind an ever-growing slate of popular programs that connect young and old with nature. Since starting from scratch more than a year ago, Young has conceived, organized, run, and engaged with citizens on activities and programs such as:

• The Junior Rangers for young nature-lovers, including an interactive workbook, simple yet purposeful curriculum, and multi-week “Junior Ranger Academy”
• The Trail Mix Hike and this Friday’s Night Hike and Campfire that serve as fun, innovative, educational, hands-on ways for young and old to enjoy Milton’s natural parks
• LEAF, a multi-week program in which instructors teach environment-focused lessons to pre-schoolers (with Young also being a board member for its parent organization)
• Kayaking, mountain biking, and rafting camps as well as one-off sessions for both children and adults through a partnership with the Nantahala Outdoor Center
• Adopt-a-Trail, an initiative in which groups claim, clean-up, and beautify designated trails in Milton parks for the greater community’s benefit
• “Wildlife 101” public educational workshops (the first one, focused on coyotes, happening this week) featuring experts presenting to and answering questions from citizens
• Expanded, systematic collaboration with local Scout groups, including a revamped process for Eagle Scout candidates to coordinate and execute impactful projects

As much as any one of what’s above, what sets Young apart is her enthusiasm for the outdoors. City staff highlighted that charisma as part of its pitch for Jen to be the next Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) Recreation Programmers Network Distinguished Professional of the Year.

The nomination credited “Ranger Jen” with transforming how residents interact with Milton’s natural spaces, as well as her creativity and ability to identify and create unique experiences. In addition to detailing programs mentioned above, the award submission referenced her extensive involvement in GRPA and other organizations.

How often, how positively, and how productively Young interacts with citizens through programs, events, and while simply being out-and-about at parks was mentioned prominently as well.

“Her enthusiasm to be of service to our community, and, in turn, to help others be of service is unparalleled,” said Scouts BSA Troop 1459 leader John Leekley, whose description of Young as “a joy to work with” was part of the nomination. “Jen leads by example and inspires us.”

Even with her impressive achievements, Young faced steep competition given that every Parks and Recreation team in the state of Georgia – many of which are several times larger than Milton – can nominate their own individuals for this award. Regardless, Young topped them all.

She officially received this Distinguished Professional of the Year honor Tuesday at GRPA’s annual conference in Columbus. This is believed to be the first time a Milton Parks and Recreation team member has earned a statewide award of this type.

“We could not be prouder of Jen or more grateful for what she has done for our department and our community – as a true, effective, energizing leader of citizens and her peers in and outside our city,” said Milton Parks and Recreation Director Tom McKlveen. “Knowing Jen, she’s just getting started in sharing her love of the outdoors and making a difference in Milton.”