Gainesville Parks and Recreation recently received the Agency of the Year award from the Georgia Recreation and Park Association for the second year in a row.

According to a news release from Gainesville Parks and Recreation, the department’s restoration of Longwood Cove and Ivey Terrace Park and the completion of the Frances Meadows Aquatic and Community Center are cited as reasons the Gainesville department received the recognition.

It is the seventh time in 11 years, the department received the statewide recognition, according to a news release from the department.

The city department also received the District 7 Agency of the Year Award from the Georgia Recreation and Park Association in October, according to the release.

"This year has proven to be one of the Agency’s most notable in terms of new and outstanding facilities, programs and services. Gainesville Parks and Recreation continues its commitment to play a major role in the health and well-being of area residents and positively impact our quality of life," said Joe Biddy, chairman of the Gainesville Parks and Recreation Citizen Board.