The City of Norfolk Parks and Recreation Division received a special recognition Thursday evening at the Nebraska Recreation & Park Association Annual Conference. PJ Evans was presented with the 2023 New Professional Award for her advancements in recreation for the City.
Evans started working for the City of Norfolk Parks and Recreation Division full-time in October of 2013 as the manager at AquaVenture Waterpark. She was then promoted as the Assistant Director of Recreation in October of 2022. She currently leads the aquatics staff for Aquaventure Waterpark, the recreation staff for recreation programs, and the athletics staff for our sports complexes and sports fields throughout the City.
“PJ took on recreation for the City in 2022. We didn't have any recreation programs left at the time. There were only aquatics programs left prior to her existing role. In the past year, she has revived the recreation division and developed over 62 recreation programs for youth, adults, and seniors. We had over 1,060 people participate in these programs. She developed our first annual summer brochure and now our first ever fall and winter brochure,” said Nathan Powell, Parks and Recreation Director.
Not only did Evans coordinate a project with KABOOM and over 150 volunteers to conduct a community build of a new playground at Liberty Bell Park, she is also working with the same sponsor to build a pickleball court.
Evans has developed partnerships with several community sports associations. She started the first online registration system for our recreation programs, shelter rentals and campground. She developed a social media presence we have not had available before. All of this has been done in her first year as the new Assistant Director of Recreation.
“We’re proud of PJ and the work she’s doing to improve our parks and enhance recreation opportunities throughout the community. This is well deserved statewide recognition of her efforts,” said Mayor Josh Moenning.
“Thanks to her leadership, she has done a phenomenal job developing and creating a recreation division from scratch for the City of Norfolk. We are glad to learn she has been recognized by the Nebraska Parks and Recreation Association for her efforts and advancements in Recreation for the City,” Powell added.