The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has announced the recipients of the 2024 NRPA Innovation Awards, Spotlight Awards, and Scholarships. These prestigious awards will be presented during the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in October, where the winner of the Best in Innovation Award will also be revealed.

NRPA Innovation Awards highlight agencies that have significantly enhanced their communities through innovative practices in various domains. The 2024 awardees include:
- Innovation in Health Award: SwimSmart Initiative, Waukegan Park District, Illinois
- Innovation in Equity Award: Signs of Belonging, Ramsey County Parks and Recreation, Minnesota
- Innovation in Conservation Award: Ford Fair Lane Estate Fishway, Wayne County Parks and Recreation, Michigan

 
- Innovation in Park Design Award: Glass City Metropark, Metroparks Toledo, Ohio

NRPA Spotlight Awards honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the field of parks and recreation. This year's honorees are:
- National Distinguished Professional Award: Michael McCarty, Glenview Park District, Illinois
- Dirk Richwine Professional Mentoring Award: Ryan Davis, City of Miamisburg, Ohio
- Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award: Javier Martinez, Waukegan Park District, Illinois
- Robert M. Artz Advocate Award: Mary Behling, Cambridge Community Activities Program, Wisconsin
- Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award for Excellence in Recreation and Park Research: Dr. Clement Lau, Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, California

Additionally, the NRPA awarded Scholarships and Fellowships to several professionals and students, providing them the opportunity to attend the NRPA Annual Conference and further their expertise in the field.

"We are thrilled to celebrate this year's winners who have demonstrated their commitment to the future of parks and recreation," said Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. "NRPA is proud to recognize the innovative and transformative work that they, as community impact leaders, provide to their communities. We look forward to celebrating each of you in Atlanta at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference!"

Jeanette Aiello, chair of NRPA's National Awards and Scholarship Committee, added, "With more than 200 applications, our committee was overly impressed by the outstanding achievements of each award winner."

https://www.nrpa.org/about-national-recreation-and-park-association/press-room/nrpa-recognizes-excellence-in-parks-and-recreation-with-the-innovation-and-spotlight-awards4/