Leon County Dedicates Parwez “P.A.” Alam Park, Featuring Inclusive Play Equipment for Children of All Abilities

Leon County Dedicates Parwez “P.A.” Alam Park, Featuring Inclusive Play Equipment for Children of All Abilities

Today, in recognition of Parwez Alam’s 22 years of public service and leadership, Leon County Government dedicated Parwez “P.A.” Alam Park within Okeeheepkee Prairie Preserve. The park offers an active park space through a new ADA-compliant playground with a focus on inclusive play equipment for children of all abilities in honor of Alam’s daughter Zahra.

“Active recreational space is part of what makes our community feel like home,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Rick Minor. “This inclusive playground equipment helps forge friendships and creates developmental opportunities for everyone. We hope parents around the County will bring their children out to the park for an exciting and unique experience.”

Parwez Alam, known amongst his colleagues as “P.A.,” served as County Administrator for 22 years and under his leadership created library and park systems, opened community centers, improved road and storm-water facilities and built the County Courthouse, jail, and Transfer Station to name just a few accomplishments.

“P.A. was always committed to family and today I know he would be proud, not only of this playground, but of the work we continue to do in the community,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “The inclusive upgrades to this park are just one example of the County’s continued dedication to moving our community forward and serving citizens of all abilities.”

When Parwez Alam was appointed County Administrator in 1989, there were no active County parks or recreational programs. Under Alam, the County developed a comprehensive parks and recreations program, which has grown to include nearly 4,000 acres of community parks, boat landings, campgrounds and greenways.

Okeeheepkee Prairie Preserve, formerly Okeeheepkee Prairie Park, is a 26-acre preserve meant to serve as a catch-all for stormwater run-off and to provide a buffer to the Lake Jackson Mounds. Originally opened in 2015, the Preserve has been a mostly passive recreational space before the inclusion of this playground and picnic area.

“Finding ways to make our parks welcoming to more citizens is important to Leon County,” said Parks and Recreation Director Amanda Heidecker. “We look forward to finding other opportunities to reimagine our public spaces to better meet the needs of our citizens.”

The playground was specifically designed to accommodate children of all abilities in recognition of Alam’s youngest daughter Zahra. The playground’s vibrant colors and patterns and natural materials, such as rocks, logs and hills, encourage imaginative play-based learning that enhances sensory engagement. Additionally, the County recently upgraded the playground at Kate Ireland Park to be ADA-compliant and inclusive for all abilities.

For more information, contact Amanda Heidecker, Leon County Parks and Recreation at (850) 606-1475 or HeideckerA@LeonCountyFL.gov or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations at (850) 606-5300 or CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov .

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Caption: Parwez "P.A." Alam park dedication at Okeeheepkee Prairie Preserve.

Pictured (left to right): Amanda Heidecker, Leon County Parks and Recreation Director; Amanda Lewis, Owner of Future Pathways; Rick Minor, Leon County Commission Chairman and District 3 Commissioner; Vince Long, Leon County Administrator; Zahra Alam, P.A.'s daughter; Adeena Alam, P.A.'s daughter; Ghazala Alam, P.A.'s sister

Caption: Parwez "P.A." Alam's former colleagues attend the park dedication held in his honor at Okeeheepkee Prairie Preserve.

Pictured (left to right): Manny Joanos, Former Leon County Commissioner; Marjorie Turnbull, Former Leon County Commissioner; Leon County Property Appraiser Akin Akinyemi, Former County Commissioner; Rick Minor, Leon County Commission Chairman and District 3 Commissioner; Vince Long, Leon County Administrator; Zahra Alam, P.A.'s daughter; Adeena Alam, P.A.'s daughter; Rudy Maloy, Former County Commissioner; Bob Rackleff, Former County Commissioner; Ghazala Alam, P.A.'s sister

Caption: Children enjoy the new colorful and ADA-compliant playground located at 1294 Fuller Rd.

Caption: Children enjoy the new colorful and ADA-compliant playground located at 1294 Fuller Rd.

Caption: Parwez "P.A." Alam's sister gives some touching words about the former County Administrator at the Parwez "P.A." Alam Park dedication.

Pictured (left to right): Ghazala Alam, P.A.'s sister, Zahra Alam, P.A.'s daughter; Adeena Alam, P.A.'s daughter