Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant, left, and Recreation Director Carl Walsh, right, present Recreation Commission Chair Joe McKenney with his award plaque from the Maine Recreation and Park Association . Courtesy photo
BIDDEFORD — Joe McKenney, Biddeford’s Recreation Commission chair, has been named the Maine Recreation and Park Association Citizen Volunteer of the Year. The award was presented virtually at the MRPA 2021 Awards and Recognition Ceremony on March 16.
McKenney was selected for the award due to his dedication to projects in Biddeford that support the development and creation of recreation programs, according to a press release.
McKenney was instrumental in the development of the Rotary Park dog park, which he continues to help maintain, and serves as chair of the Dog Park Committee. In addition, he helps support Clifford Park by participating in the maintenance and upkeep of the Story Walk and light trail work. He was also involved with the efforts to transform the parks, fields and beaches throughout the city to tobacco- and smoke-free areas.
In addition to his dedication to Biddeford’s parks, McKenney also plays a key role in organizing community events and activities. During the past year, he assisted with planning COVID-friendly family activities such as the drive through Halloween and Downtown Holiday event. As a local photographer, he also regularly provides free photos at community events such as the Youth Easter Egg Hunt and other holiday events.
“Joe was nominated by the Recreation Department for his continued generosity of both his time and talents, not only through his work supporting our department as the chair of the Recreation Commission, but also through his involvement with Heart of Biddeford and Friends of Clifford Park,” said Carl Walsh, Biddeford Recreation director. “We are grateful for his hard work on initiatives that support the community and congratulate him on this well-deserved award.”
“Joe’s dedication to his volunteerism in the Biddeford community is a true testament to what this award emulates,” said Lisa Thompson, MRPA Awards Committee chair. “We are pleased to honor Joe with this award as he upholds many of the values that we strive to see dedicated community members accomplishing throughout the state.”
The Maine Recreation & Park Association is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all in Maine. Central to this core purpose is the understanding that quality park systems and recreation programs are vital components of a healthy community. The organization’s membership is made up of municipal and state employees in park and recreation service delivery, therapeutic recreation providers, educators, commercial recreation and related businesses, citizen board members, students and park friends agencies.
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