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Cramerton names new Parks & Recreation advisory board chair and outlines expanded programming
Summary
The board appointed Emily Leazer as chair of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and heard a department overview from Brandon Free, who described 180+ acres of parks, river accesses, youth programs, and plans for more senior and family programming and partnerships.
The Board of Commissioners appointed Emily Leazer as chair of the Town of Cramerton Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and confirmed a committee process for screening advisory applicants at the Jan. 2 meeting.
Brandon Free, the town’s Parks & Recreation director (on staff since August 2023), gave an overview of department responsibilities, saying the town manages more than 180 acres of parkland, five town-owned parks, more than three miles of greenway and trails, six river access points and multiple indoor facilities. Free said the department oversees youth sports, community events, fitness programs and a seasonal public pool and that his long-term goal is to expand programming from youth through seniors, including morning programs for seniors and stay-at-home parents with toddlers.
The board approved a nomination process that includes screening by the staff liaison and advisory board chair, evaluation by the advisory board nominating committee, and final appointment by the board of commissioners. Mayor Pro Tempore Richard Atkinson nominated Emily Leazer as the board chairman; the board voted 5-0 to appoint her.
Free said staff is exploring partnerships with the Gaston County Art Council and programming at the Confluence location; commissioners encouraged using existing trail areas for potential facilities such as a National Fitness Campaign outdoor fitness court if feasible and fiscally prudent.
