Asheville Reporter

APR Innovators is an Asheville Parks & Recreation series highlighting team members who provide significant value to the community through their knowledge, connections, and insights. This effort aims to create the best city possible through high-quality recreation programs and safe parks that welcome everyone.

LaTanya McDowell joined the Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) team in 1994, hired by the late Marshall Logan as an APR Afterschool day camp assistant at Ira B. Jones Elementary School. Over the years, she has served in various roles including APR Afterschool Day Camp Coordinator, Recreation Specialist, Recreation Center Director, and Recreation Facility Supervisor.

"In each role, I’ve acted as referee, social worker, judge, lawyer, teacher, psychologist, and voice of reason ('Cuz why would you want to do that?')!" McDowell said.

Her inspiration to join APR stemmed from her part-time work at a daycare center with preschoolers. "Working with that age group was very interesting," she stated. She also mentioned having a creative side that she wanted to explore further.

McDowell takes pride in several accomplishments during her tenure with APR:

- Watching programs she created flourish.

- Seeing patrons enjoy these programs.

- Meeting new people and listening to their stories.

- Crossing barriers and bridging gaps by leading by example.

- Trying whitewater rafting and liking it.

"Your direction is more important than your speed," McDowell said when asked what working for the department means to her personally.

Professionally, McDowell has grown by attending conferences where she learns new ideas which she then shares with colleagues and the communities they serve.

She concluded with: "It’s the only job where you can play and get paid. I get paid to do what I love!"

Opportunities to join LaTanya McDowell and other parks and recreation professionals in building a strong community are available online.

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