By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Paris Parks and Recreation Director Tony Lawrence was recognized as the Paris-Henry County Chamber’s 2022 Person of the Year in a surprise presentation at Eiffel Tower Park Tuesday evening.
And what better setting for the presentation than at Eiffel Tower Park which, under Lawrence’s leadership, has become a crowning jewel of the city park system. The activities that were ongoing while the presentation was being made were a testament to the work that Lawrence and his staff have put into the parks over the past decade: a live music concert, pickleball leagues, people splashing in the Splash Park, children playing at the two playgrounds, people walking the trails and reading on the Storybook trail, playing disc golf, kicking around the soccer ball and more.
In making the presentation, City Manager Kim Foster said, “Tony is one of those people who is a giver. Most of what you see here is because he found a way. And not just here, but at the other parks in the system.”
Lawrence has worked for the city of Paris for 22 years, 14 of which has been as Parks Director. “He understands what the community needs and has worked for it. I couldn’t be more proud of Tony.”
Lawrence said, “This is a great honor. But I couldn’t do it without the team we have here. We all came in at the same time and I’m very proud of what we’ve done here.”
Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell said his reaction when told Lawrence was the choice for Person of the Year was, “Well, that’s a no brainer. Our parks are for the people and that’s how Tony has seen it from the beginning. And they’re for all the people–people come here from all over.”
Chamber CEO Travis McLeese said Lawrence will be presented with his plaque during Thursday night’s kickoff of the Tennessee River Jam in downtown Paris and the other recipients of the annual Chamber awards will be announced then, too.
McLeese noted the Person of the Year award dates back to the 70’s and has been acknowledged as one of the community’s most prestigious awards.
“Tony is the epitome of a servant leader,” Foster said in a press release. “He is constantly looking for ways to make our community a better place but never looking for nor expecting recognition for his efforts. He sets a great example for his staff and helps them understand why their roles are important and how they are making a difference in the community. Tony is also a doer. He doesn’t come up with a new idea and expect someone else to execute it, he is front and center making sure it gets done and gets done well. He is also happy to jump on board someone else’s good idea and help them be successful. I cannot think of a more deserving individual to receive this honor and am thrilled to be able to be part of recognizing him as the Chamber’s Person of the Year.”
Photo: Tony Lawrence, left, with his wife, Amy, his mother Lynda, and Paris City Commissioner John Etheridge, as the announcement was made. (Shannon McFarlin photo).