Trequel Hutchison, a member of the Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) team, has been recognized for his contributions to the community through his work at the Stephens-Lee Community Center. Hutchison joined APR in 2020 as a seasonal recreation team member and was promoted to Program Leader after three years. He grew up participating in APR programs and worked alongside staff he knew from his youth.
“Working for APR means a lot to me because I’m frontline in the communities I grew up in and helping others, being a positive role model to kids who grew up in the same circumstances. To me, it means I get a chance to show some kids there is more to life than just sports, rapping, and being stuck inside dealing with challenges in ways that may not always be the best,” Hutchison said.
Hutchison noted that working with APR has helped him develop professionally by learning to adapt to different situations and communicate with people of all ages. “Professionally, I’ve grown a lot working with APR such as learning to adapt to different circumstances and working and communicating with all age groups. This career has helped me become a great improviser and better planner. I’ve learned how to make a work plan and keep my work organized and manageable – and I’m also getting better at response times to emails,” he explained.
Among his accomplishments, Hutchison highlighted growing a mentor program for middle and high school boys, developing a weight training program for youth, and involving teens from the APR Afterschool leadership program in volunteer activities such as supporting homeless shelters and food drives. “Growing a mentor program with middle and high school boys has been a major accomplishment, as has developing a weight training program for the same age group. Getting my APR Afterschool teen leadership program involved in helping and giving back in the community by volunteering at a homeless shelter every other week and donating canned foods to neighborhood food drives has also been inspiring,” he said.
The impacts of Tropical Storm Helene have influenced how Hutchison approaches his work. “I tend to make my programs low-cost or free and to give back as much as we possibly can through our APR programs,” he stated.
Outside of work, Hutchison enjoys fishing, exercising, and traveling.
When asked why he works for Asheville Parks & Recreation, Hutchison responded: “I work for Asheville Parks & Recreation because…the kids need me!”
Current job opportunities within Asheville Parks & Recreation are available online.
