The National Recreation and Park Association has announced it is accepting applications for the following:

National Gold Medal Award
The National Gold Medal Award honors communities throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management and innovative approaches to delivering superb park and recreation services with fiscally sound business practices.

The National Gold Medal Award Program includes seven classes: five classes based upon population, one class for armed forces recreation and one class for state park systems in odd-numbered years. At the beginning of each calendar year, agencies are invited to submit applications for consideration, with a deadline of mid-March. Finalists get announced at the end of April, and the Grand Award recipients get announced at the NRPA Annual Conference in the fall.

 

A panel of five park and recreation professionals reviews and judges all application materials. Judges get selected for their considerable experience and knowledge in parks and recreation on both local and national levels.

NRPA innovation Awards
These awards recognize and honor the latest advancements in the field of parks and recreation. These awards showcase the inspiring park and recreation agencies that have improved and empowered their communities through innovative practices in park design, health and wellness, conservation, and social equity.

Spotlight Awards
Spotlight Awards are presented to individuals to honor their efforts - both professional and personal - in the field of parks and recreation. Award winners include park and recreation professionals, volunteers, engaged community members and park advocates.

Scholarships and Fellowships
The scholarships and fellowships provide recipients with the opportunity to attend and explore the industry at the NRPA Annual Conference. A primary focus is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop professional contacts with leadership and members from around the nation. Recipients receive complementary NPRA Annual Conference registration, a travel stipend and hotel expenses reimbursed.

Robert W Crawford Hall of Fame
The public recreation and park movement in America owes its existence and growth to the vision and dedication of individuals who have worked to improve the quality of life in America through parks and recreation. The past inductees recognized in the Robert W. Crawford Recreation and Park Hall of Fame serve as examples for future leaders in continuing the recreation and park movement into the 21st century. Nominations are being accepted now through March 27, 2020.

For more info: https://tinyurl.com/y4essro4.