The National Awards are given every year to candidates in specific categories. To earn a National Award, individuals and groups must show excellence in a variety of areas, including leadership, research, programming, professional and voluntary service, and public outreach. The recipients of this year’s National Awards will be honored during the Best of the Best Ceremony, held at the 2014 NRPA Congress, Wednesday, October 15.
Robert M. Artz Citizen Advocacy Award
Dr. Tony Zeiss
Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award
Tyler Nicholas Tapps
Excellence in Inclusion Award
Fairfax County Park Authority, Virginia
Excellence in Innovative Programming Award
DeSoto Parks and Recreation, Texas
Facility or Park Design Award
Highland Recreation, Largo, Florida
Barb King Environmental Stewardship Award
Three Rivers Park District, Plymouth, Minnesota
Kudos Marketing Award
Fairfax County Park Authority, Virginia
National Distinguished Professional Award
Geoffrey Godbey
National Partnership Award
City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, California
Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award for Excellence in Recreation and Park Research (Individual)
Jerry J. Vaske
Fellowships and Scholarships
Diversity Scholarship: The Diversity Scholarship supports individuals from historically underrepresented groups in the park and recreation community, as well as those who demonstrate outstanding contributions serving diverse communities with hopes of engaging their interest in future leadership roles within the association.
Diversity Scholarship Recipients:
Tori Spaugh
James Worsley
Student Scholarship: The Student Scholarship is presented to an outstanding undergraduate or graduate student in recognition of continuous extraordinary community service or contributions to the field.
Student Scholarship Recipients:
Rebecca Lackey
Kendrick Mayes
Young Professional Fellowship: The Young Professional Fellowship’s primary focus is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop professional contracts with NRPA leadership.
Young Professional Fellowship Recipients:
Brandon Barrow
Gabe Huffington
Errin Koon
Kayode Lewis
Marissa Bracamonte is the Editorial Intern of Parks & Recreation Magazine.