Focus On Culture Prompts Department Name Change

Alpharetta's Department of Recreation and Parks announced this week that it has officially changed its name to Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services. Known for exceptional recreation services and programming, the name change reflects the performing and visual arts, as well as other cultural services the department offers residents.

“As our community grows we have a responsibility to continually evolve to meet the needs and expectations of our residents. This includes a more focused commitment to art, culture, and history and a deeper engagement with the community,” said Morgan Rodgers, Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services.

The department has also undergone a reorganization, adding two new divisions to enable the department to better serve the community.

The Cultural Services division will be led by Kim Zane, formerly the Special Events Manager for the City of Alpharetta. This division will oversee the new Arts Center on the corner of Mayfield Road and Canton Street, and the History Room inside City Hall, both scheduled to open later this year. Additionally, the division will manage the fine and performing arts programming for the City of Alpharetta.

The Community Services division, which will include community engagement, marketing, special events, and community agriculture, will be led by Amanda Musilli, who joined the City in March, and brings over 15 years of experience in community outreach, marketing and events. This division will oversee large events, manage the marketing for the department, and oversee the educational farm being developed at a new park on Rucker Road, which was donated to the City by Whole Foods Market.

These additional divisions add to the existing four within the Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services Department, totaling six: Recreation, Parks, Projects, Wills Park, Cultural Services, and Community Services.