The NRPA Innovation Awards recognize park and recreation agencies that have made remarkable strides in park design, health and wellness, conservation, and social equity. Among the recipients are Snohomish County Parks & Recreation for their Meadowdale Beach Park & Estuary Restoration Project, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department for their violence reduction initiative - VOICE, Fox Valley Special Recreation Association for their innovative SootheSpace, and City of Greenville Parks, Recreation & Tourism for the exceptional design of Unity Park.

 
Individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and accomplishments in the field of parks and recreation will be honored with NRPA Spotlight Awards. This year's awardees include Janet Bartnik, Deputy Director of Prince William County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, who receives the National Distinguished Professional Award, Jeffrey Budnitz, Executive Founding Board Member and Treasurer of Lake Roland Nature Council, honored with the Robert M. Artz Advocate Award, Laura Mortier, Recreation Supervisor at Canton Leisure Services, who receives the Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award, and Christopher M. Nunes, Chief Operating Officer of The Woodlands Township, honored with the Dirk Richwine Professional Mentoring Award.
Furthermore, the NRPA Scholarships and Fellowships will provide recipients with the opportunity to attend the NRPA Annual Conference and gain valuable insights into the field's operations. Congratulations to the deserving recipients in the categories of Diversity Scholarship, Student Scholarship, and Young Professional Fellowship.
Kristine Stratton, NRPA President and CEO, commended the winners, emphasizing their dedication to transformative work in parks and recreation. Donnie Hayes, Chair of NRPA's National Awards and Scholarship Committee, expressed excitement in recognizing these exceptional individuals and projects, applauding their contributions to communities nationwide.
The NRPA Annual Conference promises to be a momentous occasion for celebrating the achievements and impact of these outstanding professionals and initiatives in the parks and recreation field.
https://www.nrpa.org/about-national-recreation-and-park-association/press-room/nrpa-recognizes-excellence-in-parks-and-recreation-with-the-innovation-and-spotlight-awards3/