The city of Gaithersburg, MD took an innovative approach to participating in the second summer of NRPA’s Park Champion initiative. Recently named America’s most diverse city according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Gaithersburg further cemented its distinction by incorporating a naturalization ceremony into the 34th annual Celebrate! Gaithersburg Festival which welcomed 46 new Americans from around the globe with open arms. By combining two previously planned activities, the naturalization ceremony and the celebration of Gaithersburg’s rich history, the city achieved two important goals:
- Increasing the diversity of Gaithersburg, and
- Showing elected officials at the federal, state and local levels how important park and recreation agencies are to building healthier, stronger and happier communities.
With Mayor Jud Ashman at the helm, flanked by Representative John Delaney and staff from the offices of Senator Ben Cardin and Representative Chris Van Hollen; and thanks to the diligent of work of Michele Potter and the talented staff of the Gaithersburg Department of Parks, Recreation, and Culture, the Celebrate! Gaithersburg Festival went off without a hitch. Amenities at the festival ranged from live bands and food, to arts and crafts, and games; however, it was the naturalization ceremony that showcased the true power of park and recreation agencies to change lives, build communities and transform futures. Officials from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) were on hand to dot the I’s and cross the T’s, proud family members and friends snapped photos to document the magical moment, and residents of Gaithersburg dropped by to lend kind words, chat for a bit and welcome these 46 new citizens.
Gaithersburg’s novel approach using new programming like a naturalization ceremony to add a fresh coat of paint to more traditional park and recreation activities (e.g. festivals, ball games, and meal programs) is exactly why NRPA created the Park Champion initiative. By taking the Park Champion Pledge and inviting your elected officials to an upcoming event this summer, you can help showcase the power of parks to bring together people from all over the world, unite communities and strengthen the fabric of America.
Oliver Spurgeon is NRPA's Manager of Government Affairs.