JOY CARTER WINS COMMUNITY INSPIRATION AWARD FROM PARK PRIDE!

At its 10th Annual Parks & Greenspace Conference on March 28, Park Pride announced the 2011 winners of its Inspiration Awards in the categories of community, government, organization & corporate volunteerism– honoring Joy Carter, Councilmember Kwanza Hall, PATH Foundation and Cox Enterprises, respectively.

The Inspiration Awards acknowledge those making a substantial difference when it comes to engaging community and taking care of and advocating for parks throughout metro Atlanta.

Joy Carter’s leadership, commitment and innovation have made Constitution Lakes a safer, more accessible place for people. Her five years of steady visits and advocacy for that little-known place have catalyzed others to be involved, and contributed to it being a positive place in SE Atlanta. On April 9, Joy, Dave Butler and Robby Astrove, blazed a trail at Constitution Lakes so birders (and others) can walk a loop around the lake. Thanks to all three of them! Her bird walks educate people about the important role they play in supporting and sustaining greenspace.

Park Pride, a non-profit founded in 1989, works with communities to improve all Atlanta's city parks.

AAS wants to personally congratulate our Board Member Joy Carter for winning this prestigious community award. Mobilizing other AAS volunteers, Joy has led in transforming the old brickworks area east of Moreland Ave SE called “Constitution Lakes” into a safe place for people and for birds. The 125 acre property, now owned by DeKalb County, is a treasure you should visit. When you do visit, look for the duck boxes Joy put out – they are now homes for breeding Wood Ducks and Hooded Mergansers!