10/08/2020
Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks received top honors from the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA), recognizing the City’s COVID-19 signage and for marketing and visibility of the City’s Sparkle Sandy Springs holiday parade. The GRPA awards presentation was held on October 6, 2020.
GRPA recognized the City for the suite of parks signage created to support public health safety initiatives related to the coronavirus pandemic. The campaign, developed in partnership with the City’s Communications department, aligned with the City’s overall COVID-19 safety messaging for consistent branding, but was stylized to appeal to families.
“Communication is important, especially when sharing safety information. We knew tone and imagery would affect visibility, especially in drawing in individuals to stop and read the message. We worked closely with our Communications department to create a campaign that was both authoritative, yet friendly,” said Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Director Michael Perry.
Sandy Springs was also recognized with top honors for its marketing and visibility efforts in promoting the Sparkle Sandy Springs Holiday Parade. Sparkle Sandy Springs includes a holiday village with twinkling lights and life-size gingerbread houses decorated by businesses and community groups. In 2019, the event expanded with the addition of the Sparkle Parade and tree lighting.
The event drew an estimated 3,000 attendees at the City Green, with community members and guests enjoying the lights and festive village throughout December. The marketing campaign featured a newly designed logo, part of a branding initiative to communicate City-produced events so that the public can instantly recognize the high-quality programming the City produces and provides. Sparkle Sandy Springs is one of series of special events produced in the City’s park spaces.