February 2024 - Parks and Recreation - 37

Megan Keul, 28
Marketing Coordinator, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation (NC)
At Mecklenburg County (North Carolina) Park and Recreation, Megan Keul has transformed how
the county tells its story. More than 40,000 subscribers discover program offerings and events through
Park Gram, and @MeckParkRec social has exploded since Keul arrived. Jay Tryon, superintendent
of community recreation, says, " Megan has been instrumental in increasing awareness and engagement
with our residents. Within her first year, she created consistent messaging leading to
increased registration and overall knowledge of offerings. [She] has expanded promotions for
special events, countywide leagues, mobile recreation and new facilities. With her leadership, the
'Meck Rec and Roll' mobile recreation initiative has reached over 10,000 residents. "
Daniel Lazo, 27
Public Information Manager, City of San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department (CA)
Daniel Lazo serves as public information manager for San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood
Services Department. As the spokesperson and brand manager, Lazo has coordinated more than
200 stories on a variety of topics, such as emergency response, new parks and wildlife safety
tips, for major media outlets in 2023. With his background, Lazo submitted the park name,
" Delano Manongs Park, " the first park in San José to be named after an important piece
of Filipino American history. The name recognizes the Filipino American farmworkers'
part of the Manong ( " older brother " in Ilokano) generation, who sparked the international
five-year boycott on grapes alongside Mexican farmworkers.
Franky Lazo, 30
Assistant Recreation and Parks Director, City of Boynton Beach Recreation and Parks Department (FL)
As the assistant director of the Boynton Beach (Florida) Recreation and Parks Department, Franky
Lazo guides the operations of 32 parks, seven recreation centers, a swimming pool and a municipal
beach. Lazo has helped to craft short- and long-term strategic plans - including the Park System Master
Plan, which he helped develop through active engagement with staff, business leaders, stakeholders
and community members. He also aided in research, surveys and program analytics to evaluate
community needs. Lazo's commitment to excellence, strategic vision and community-focused
initiatives have helped to further the mission of creating a community space where individuals
can thrive, find joy and make lasting memories.
Javier Martinez, 28
Manager of Fitness and Aquatics, Waukegan Park District (IL)
Javier Martinez joined the Waukegan (Illinois) Park District team as a recreation specialist in 2018.
He was responsible for transforming programming for all nature enthusiasts and increased participation
by repurposing an existing unused facility to create Nature's Classroom, an experience offering
fun, hands-on learning about the environment. Martinez has since been promoted to manager of
fitness and aquatics, overseeing facility operations for a health and wellness facility. In his
role, Martinez has led a water safety initiative by coordinating a program that eliminates
barriers to access - providing free indoor swim lessons to patrons. Access also has increased
by expanding the program to every second-grade student in Waukegan.
PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | FEBR U AR Y 2 0 2 4 | Parks & Recreation
37

February 2024 - Parks and Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2024 - Parks and Recreation