The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) has announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2019 NRPA Awards. Interested parties can apply for an NRPA Innovation Award, a Spotlight Award or a National Gold Medal Award.

NRPA Innovation Awards recognize the latest advancements in the field of parks and recreation. They showcase regional parks and recreation agencies that have impacted their communities through innovative practices in park design, health and wellness and conservation.

Spotlight Awards are awarded to individuals in order to honor their efforts in the field of parks and recreation. Those eligible for award consideration include park and recreation professionals, volunteers, engaged community members and park advocates.

National Gold Medal Awards honor communities throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in planning, resource management and innovative approaches to delivering park and recreation services with sound business practices.

Applications for all three awards programs are due by March 29. Finalists will be announced at the end of April, and the Grand Award recipients will be announced at the NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, September 24-26. Registration for this event is not yet open. To learn more about the different awards programs, click HERE.