Recording / Concept to Application: Explore a LWCF Project Case Example

Andy Bohannon, CPRP, AFO is Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director for the City of Keene, NH. A native of son, Andy grew up in Wheelock Park attending the parks and recreation programs. He began working for the City in 1987 as a youth basketball official, and then worked at the pools, playground program, and as a building supervisor though his college years at Keene State.

Since joining the city on a professional level in 2004, he has increased program offerings, established master plans, created pocket parks, improved the trail system, and created sponsorship opportunities, promoted Keene as a great place to work, stay and play. In 2005, he piloted the CATCH program for the Foundation for Healthy Communities and the success of the program spread to over 100 communities around the state. His work with a local coalition called Advocates for Healthy Youth led to his selection as a recipient of the inaugural President’s Council and Sports Community Leadership Award in 2007. In 2018 he received the NH Recreation and Parks distinguished WINK Tapply Professional Award for his service to the association.  

Eric has been with the Division for nine years and resides in Concord NH with his fiancé Rahkiya and dog Daisy.  While living in NH full time since 2011 he has been continuously exploring all the great recreational opportunities the state has to offer.

He was finally able to land his dream job working for NH State Parks. One of his responsibilities is overseeing the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the State of New Hampshire as designated by the Governor. Since beginning this role Eric has awarded over $12 million to 40 NH local communities for acquisition and development of outdoor recreation.

Eric’s passion for this program has led him to become an executive board member on the National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers (NASORLO), an organization whose primary role is to advocate for the state assistance program for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. As a result of his work at the national level in training and advocacy, he has been awarded the Service to NASORLO Award two consecutive years (2020 and 2021). Whether he is meeting with local communities or congressional members he continues to educate people about the Land and Water Conservation Fund and he is excited to share that with you today which he hopes will lead to you all submitting great grant applications.

Dr. Palacios is responsible for promoting the value of recreation for people of all ages and abilities. She provides training, continuing educational opportunities, professional development, and research that supports recreation and play while generating partnerships and alliances in the field. She joined the PlayCore team in 2013 after obtaining a PhD in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from NC State University. Before joining PlayCore, she was an instructor at NC State University in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management Department. She is currently serving as NRPA's Chair of the Conference Program Committee and as a member of the Board of Directors for Dix Park Conservancy. Inés is based out of Raleigh, NC.