A New Certification Came Naturally to Stephanie Edwards

Whether working on large projects like the Park Avenue Connector Trail or coordinating the usage of the city's recreation facilities, Stephanie Edwards is the one the city can count on. Edwards has also been tasked with overseeing the city's acquisition and rehabilitation of the YMCA, including setting up free swim access for residents.

Edwards serves as the busy Support Services and Recreation Manager for the City of Lake Wales Parks and Recreation Department, so she meets those tasks and lots more in between, but that hasn't stopped her from meeting goals of her own. In December, Edwards became a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

According to NRPA.org, the CPRP certification is the "national standard for all parks and recreation professionals who want to be at the forefront of their profession."

"I wanted to get this certification to help me grow both personally and professionally and, as a result of my growth and expanded knowledge, be able to give more to the community," Edwards said. "I feel the more I know, the better public servant I can be."

While passing a 150 multiple-choice certification test spanning five subject areas can be a difficult task on its own, Edwards had to have her application reviewed and accepted by the NRPA just to get the opportunity to test.

Even with her new certification, things are still business as usual according to Edwards who is currently working on the Recreation Master Plan. The plan, which is a first for the city, will be used as a guide to help determine future projects. "I love that I have the opportunity to make an impact on people's quality of life," she said.