Parks Director Wins Fields's Highest Honor

Director of Parks & Recreation Larry Bailey has been awarded the "Fellow Award" from the NC Recreation and Park Association, the highest honor the organization can give one of its members.

The award was presented at the organization's recent annual meeting.

"It's a big honor, and I was very much surprised," Bailey said. "I didn't see that one coming."

Mike Waters, the organization's executive director, made a formal presentation before the Clayton Town Council recently, calling Bailey "a true professional."

"Larry is very highly regarded by his peers," the executive director said. "He has done so much over the years."

The 2,400-member professional organization represents park and recreational professionals all over the state.

Mayor Jody McLeod said everyone involved with the town "is very proud of him."

"The leadership he has demonstrated over the years is very hard to come by, and we're just glad he's been here with us all that time," the Mayor said. "Anyone who's seen the growth in our recreational opportunities knows that he deserves it."

While admitting that recognition from his peers "is always good," the longtime Director gave the credit to his staff and the strong support his department has received from town officials.

"I'm surrounded by a lot of fine people here who work hard," Bailey said. "I look at this award as recognition of all that."

Clayton's recreational options have blossomed over the years under Bailey's leadership, especially with the opening a couple of years ago of the Clayton Community Center, with its modern facilities and multiple classrooms.

Though the award was a surprise for Bailey, it wasn't for his family. Association officials notified them in advance to be sure they were in the audience for the ceremony. Bailey said they made up a story about going to the beach for a few days, so they could arrange to be there to congratulate him.

"I didn't have a clue they were there until they came walking up," he said. "I was already overwhelmed by the award, then up comes my family. It was quite a moment."

Recreation Program Supervisor Susan Paschal called Bailey "a true leader."

"I've worked with him for 17 years, and I can say that he's the reason why there's so much growth in our department," she said. "He's one of the very few directors around the state who's hands-on. If something needs to be done, he does it. He'll roll up his sleeves and get to work. He's willing to do what it takes."

Bailey has led the department for more than 20 years, but his tenure here has been longer. He worked in the department for a few years, then left to pursue other interests before returning in 1990.