WRPA Awards Program

Celebrate Your Hard Work & Submit A Nomination Today!

The Washington Recreation & Park Association celebrates people, parks, and programs with an annual awards program honoring outstanding contributions to the field of parks and recreation in Washington State. We have three major categories that we recognize: Professional AwardsCitation of Merit Awards, and Spotlight Awards. Each of these categories has subcategories that are detailed below.

In early 2021, a joint retreat was held between members of the Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) Committee and the WRPA Board of Directors to discuss the culture of our association and identify a plan designed to improve equity and inclusion at all levels of the association. Our ultimate goal is to create an association where EVERY member feels welcome and enjoys a strong sense of belonging.

Since then, thanks to the leaders of the Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee, we have updated our award categories and criteria in hopes of creating a more inclusive awards program. While this was an important first step in terms of addressing the existing language and award categories, we know there is additional work to be done in the future.

Through our awards program, WRPA looks to honor career-long and emerging leaders alike. As we reflect on the many accomplishments of our industry, we encourage each of you to review the criteria and submit nominations for the incredible folks we are all surrounded by. 


Categories 

Professional Awards Citation of Merit Awards Spotlight Awards
Emerging Professional Professional Facilities, Parks, and Trails
Ron C. Davis II Unsung Hero  Community  Program Excellence
Impact and Influence     Champions for Change
Lasting Legacy    
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                                        Submit your nominations by March 1, 2024.                                                         


WRPA Professional Awards

Emerging Professional Award (Formally Known as Young Professional)
The Emerging Professional Award recognizes up-and-coming leaders in the parks and recreation profession. Those selected for the honor possess the qualities and talents that will result in their assuming top leadership roles in the field and within WRPA in the future. Read More>

Impact and Influence Award (Formally Known as Honor Fellow)
As the highest recognition bestowed by WRPA to an individual, the Impact and Influence Award recognizes an individual’s dedication and achievement in the field of parks and recreation. Read More>

Lasting Legacy Award (Formally Known as Distinguished Service)
The Lasting Legacy Award honors recently retired professionals for outstanding service in the field of parks and recreation. Read More>

Levy Legislative Award 
Named after WRPA’s long-time Legislative Lobbyist, Doug Levy, the Levy Legislative Award recognizes an individual or organization for their significant contributions to advancing the Association’s legislative agenda and for advocacy efforts that advance the field of parks and recreation. Read More>

President's Award:
The President's Award allows the current WRPA President to honor an individual or organization of their choosing. 

Ron C. Davis II Unsung Hero Award: 
The Ron C Davis II Award recognizes an individual for their unwavering commitment, leadership, passion, and contributions to the profession.  This award is meant for those individuals who work tirelessly to make a difference in people’s lives, without being in the spotlight, without significant acknowledgment, but with steadfast grace and passion. This award is for an Unsung Hero. Read More>

 


WRPA Citation of Merit Awards

The Citation of Merit Award recognizes individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the field of parks and recreation. The Citation of Merit Award includes two award categories:

Community: 
Honors an individual, group, or organization that has contributed to the field of parks and recreation.
Read More>

Professional:
Honors a park and recreation professional whose contributions to the field of parks and recreation and WRPA. Read More>


WRPA Spotlight Awards

Spotlight Awards recognize outstanding achievements by parks and recreation agencies. Award categories include facilities, parks, trails, and program excellence.

Champions for Change Award:

The Champions of Change Award is presented to an agency with unique, innovative, and exemplary practices of increasing access, fostering diversity and inclusion, addressing environmental impact, and overall enhancement of social equity within their community or organization. Read More>


Facilities, Parks, and Trails:
Recognizes excellence in parks and recreation facility design and construction. Read More>

Program Excellence:
Honors achievement in the delivery of parks and recreation programs and services. Read More>


Mickey Corso Professional Leadership Grant

As a tribute to Mickey Corso and the professional leadership he provided in the field of parks and recreation, his family, friends, and co-workers have established the Mickey Corso Leadership Scholarship. 

This grant is awarded to professionals and students looking to continue their education in the field of recreation and parks. The grant can be used to pursue post-graduate trainings such as NRPA schools, graduate courses, or other courses and opportunities relating to recreation and park leadership.

Learn More & Apply



Kaleen Cottingham Spokane Youth Card School Day Olywahoo! So Bazaar
Congratulations to the 2023 Award Recipients.


 

Past Award Winners