Center Programs Manager Stacey Laird has been presented the Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award by the National Recreation and Park Association. The award recognizes a parks and recreation professional who demonstrates leadership in the planning, development and programming of a wide variety of creative community leisure opportunities. The award was presented Oct. 23 at the 2003 NRPA Congress and Exposition in St. Louis, Mo.

Laird oversees and directs the activities of four recreation centers, two senior centers and the Arlington Community Center. She also helps direct the recreational programs for adaptive and youth development programs. While with the City, Laird has worked to increase citizen participation in city events such as the Daddy/Daughter Sweetheart Dance, Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt and family campouts.

"Stacey’s real strengths are her ability to work with the community through creative programming, developing her large staff, and the enforcement of customer service excellence principles," said Bill Gilmore, assistant director of programs for the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department.