Mercer County Park Commission’s Executive Director, Aaron T. Watson, will be highlighted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in its July, 2020 edition of Parks & Recreation magazine, announced Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.

“I join the NRPA in celebrating the work of Executive Director Watson,” Hughes said. “Under Aaron’s leadership, the Mercer County Park Commission has broadened its mission to provide recreation for people of all ages, ethnicities and income levels. One of Aaron’s missions is to break the barriers keeping people from fully enjoying our park system – particularly residents from our urban center or those who lack transportation -- and I am pleased that Mercer County can serve as a model for other counties seeking to widen their embrace.”

Watson was nominated by Eleanor Horne, Co-President of the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail nonprofit. In her submission to the selection committee, Horne noted that under Executive Director Watson's leadership, Mercer County Park Commission today offers programs more diversified than ever before. “A broad range of concerts, festivals, educational programs with appeal to a wide range of ages and ethnicities, bring to the parks for the very first time huge numbers reflecting the rich mosaic of Mercer County,” Horne said.

Among the array of new programs spearheaded by Watson are a bike sharing program, where people can rent a bike for a nominal fee at various park locations; a low-cost horseback riding program to introduce people to the activity; the River Days festival in Trenton; interactive movie nights in various parks, including South River Walk Park in Trenton; an affordable family campground; and free and low-cost concerts covering all genres of music.

"This is a great honor,” Executive Director Watson said. “I am extremely humbled by the nomination, and I thank the NRPA for their acknowledgment. Our mission to provide an inclusive park experience could not be accomplished without the collaborative partnerships and support of the Mercer County Park Commission and County Executive Brian M. Hughes, along with my entire team of staff who help bring visions to fruition.”