BY KARISSA MILLER

Iredell County Parks and Recreation Director Daniel Leatherman showcased the value of recreational facilities and programming that the county provides residents during Tuesday’s Iredell County Board of Commissioners meeting.

In a short video, parks patrons expressed their appreciation.

“Today’s recognition in this video is for you all,” Leatherman told commissioners. “It’s a thank you in support from all of the Iredell County parks and recreation patrons.”

The project, he explained began as a small-scale effort, recruiting those from age 5 to 95 to share what the parks and recreation department has meant to them.

“Word spread very quickly,” Leatherman said. “Before we knew it, we had over 100 submissions of testimonials of how the department’s programs and services had impacted them,” he added.

Assistant Director Jacob Wentink said that the parks and recreation department celebrated the important role parks and recreation play in enhancing health, supporting equity and bringing people together during July, which is nationally recognized as Parks and Recreation Month.

“We did our normal programming all month, but also did about three extra things per week throughout the month of July. Things like social media challenges, parks scavenger hunts and free boating Saturday at Stumpy Creek,” Wentink said.

In the video, residents who take advantage of the county’s offerings highlighted the value of the county’s investment in recreation facilities and programming.

One patron who moved from Myrtle Beach explained that she was “lonesome” when she first moved to Statesville. She joined the senior center and parks and recreation fitness center. Since then, she said that she has made the best friends and has enjoyed taking trips with other seniors.

Two Camp Iredell participants shares their favorite camp memories and both agreed that the pool at the Iredell County Rec Center is one of their favorite things about camp.

Another testimonial came from a patron who has an aggressive case of rheumatoid arthritis. She works out every day, plays pickleball and moved to Troutman for the recreation center.

“I am probably in the best condition both mentally and physically that I’ve ever been in. In spite of my age, in spite of my condition,” she said. “Commissioners, thank you for providing and supporting the Rec Center.”

Another patron said, “There is no such thing as being too old. It has changed my life.”

WATCH THE VIDEO

Parks and Rec testimonials begin at 7:53.