Sahuarita Parks and Recreation wins APRA award; new deputy director introduced

The Sahuarita Parks and Recreation Department was recognized with an Arizona Parks and Recreation Association (APRA) award for outstanding special event in the 25,000–100,000 population category, for its Winterfest program, Parks and Recreation Director Devin Stalder told the Town Council on Sept. 8. The department also introduced its new deputy parks and recreation director, Jody Gowan.

Stalder summarized Winterfest 2024 for the council: the event drew more than 14,000 attendees, featured ice carving, a drone show and fireworks, ice skating, a children’s entrepreneur market and a light parade. The department’s events team—Lacey Simmons, Abigail and Manny—were credited by Stalder for reorganizing event planning and safety; the APRA award recognized that work.

Devin Stalder described the award as a partnership accomplishment and emphasized contributions from town departments and outside partners, including public safety and volunteers. Lacey Simmons accepted the trophy and urged continued community support; Stalder also shared that Mayor Murphy and staff attended the state conference where the department and other officials were recognized.

Town Manager Shane Dilley introduced Jody Gowan as the new deputy parks and recreation director. Gowan said she comes from a similarly sized community and plans to support the town’s growing recreation programs. The council and staff welcomed Gowan and said the new position will add leadership capacity in a busy department.

Why it matters: The APRA award is an external recognition of the department’s event management and safety planning and can be used to support future funding or sponsorship discussions. The deputy director post is a budgeted position council approved for the department to increase management capacity.

No council vote was required for either the award presentation or the staff introduction; both were informational.