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 was hired as Outdoor Program Coordinator in 2015 and promoted to Outreach, Outdoor, and Special Events Manager in 2022. 
In my current role, I oversee a team that brings exceptional recreational opportunities through outdoor programs including hikes, fishing, archery, summer camps, and more, as well as community outreach initiatives such as annual festivals like Movies in the Park and Truck City AVL, special events, and Rec n Roll, to name just a few.
What inspired you to apply to join the team?
An APR staffer shared information about APR’s programs and potential future opportunities in the outdoor program while I was working for another company. I kept an eye out and was excited to continue providing amazing outdoor experiences with folks of all ages in my community.
Which accomplishments are you most proud of in terms of your work with the department?
The number of “firsts” our team gets to be part of and see in the community: teaching kids to ride bikes, watching kids and adults snorkel in local rivers and discover what’s living there, seeing people jump through the foam piles at a Summer Splash Day, and much more.
Also, the work we did throughout the COVID-19 pandemic from the earliest days to more than a full year in showed the creativity and community commitment of the department through the APR Zoo Crew, Rec N Roll in the Parks, and working in PODS (Positive Opportunities Develop Success) enrichment and development with our school youth.
We get to work with and meet so many wonderful people through the special events our outreach team puts together – from Truck City AVL or Movies in the Park to small neighborhood events for people of all ages.
How have you grown professionally by working with APR?
I earned my Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification through National Recreation and Park Association and attended both regional and national conferences to learn more about our profession and bring new ideas back to Asheville.
How would you complete this sentence: I work for Asheville Parks & Recreation because…
We get to be the bright spot in someone’s day. People interact with us because they are looking to have fun and make connections with others. It’s a pretty powerful thing to get to be the FUN part of someone’s day and create places they look forward to going.
Join Christine 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.