Congratulations, 2020 & 2021 Award Recipients!
This spring, we want to honor the amazing people, parks, and programs that received an award at the awards ceremony during the 74th Annual WRPA Conference, our first-ever virtual conference. The WRPA Awards Program honors individuals and organizations for their contributions to the field of recreation and parks in Washington State. A variety of awards were handed out to WRPA members and public citizens.
There are three categories recognized for WRPA's Awards Program: Professional Awards, Citation of Merit Awards, and Spotlight Awards. In addition to these categories, WRPA also acknowledges Mickey Corso Leadership Grant recipients.
The entire awards Ceremony is also available to view on WRPA's YouTube Channel.
Professional Award Recipients
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award honors recently retired professionals for outstanding service in the field of parks and recreation.
2020 Recipients:
2021 Recipients:
- Jim Ballew, City of Marysville
- Greg Brown, City of Maple Valley
- Patrick Foran, Bellevue Parks & Community Services
- Glenn Kost, Bellevue Parks & Community Services
- Scott Armstrong, Bellevue Parks & Community Services
- Mike Mecham, Bellevue Parks & Community Services
- Michael "Mike" Stone, City of Spokane Valley Parks & Recreation
- Spencer Grigg, City of Moses Lake
- Al Frank, City of Maple Valley
- Kaleen Cottingham, WA State Recreation & Conservation Office (RCO)
- Don Hoch, WA State Parks & Recreation Commission
Watch Award
Honor Fellow Award
As the highest recognition bestowed by WRPA to an individual, the Honor Fellow Award recognizes an individual’s lifetime achievement in the field of parks and recreation. The individual selected must be equal in mind, character, and professionalism to those who have preceded him or her and must set an example for those who will follow.
2020 Recipient: No Nominations
2021 Recipient: Shelley McVein, Bellevue Parks & Community Services
Watch Award
President's Award
The President's Award allows the current WRPA President to honor an individual or organization of their choosing.
2020 Recipient: Northwest Playground, WRPA Annual Platinum Sponsor– Longtime passionate commitment to the industry and to WRPA.
2021 Recipient: Doug Levy, WRPA Lobbyist – For his commitment to the industry and his 15-year commitment to WRPA.
Watch Award
Ron C. Davis III Unsung Hero Award
The Ron C Davis III 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.
2020 Recipient: No Nominations
2021 Recipient: Christine Bensen, Snohomish Aquatic Center
Watch Award
Young Professional Award
This 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.
2020 Recipient: David Green, Everett Parks and Community Services
2021 Recipient: Justin Brown, City of Longview
Watch Award
Citation of Merit Award Recipients
Citation of Merit Awards recognizes individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the field of parks and recreation.
Watch Awards
Professional Award
This award honors a parks and recreation professional’s contributions to the field of parks and recreation and WRPA.
- 2020 Recipient: No Nominations
2021 Recipient: Sylvana Niehuser, City if Olympia Parks & Recreation
Organization Award
This award honors an organization that has contributed to the field of parks and recreation in Washington State
2020 Recipient: City of Bothell
- 2021 Recipient: No Nominations
Legislative Champion Award
Honors legislators who champion programs and legislation that benefits the parks and recreation industry.
2021 Recipients:
- State Senator T’wina Nobles, D-University Place/28th District for her constitution to Senate Bill 5292.
- State Representative Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline /32nd District for her history of championing the parks and rec industry and her help in starting and convening the Outdoor Recreation Funding Roundtable.
Watch Awards
Spotlight Awards in Program Excellence Recipients
Watch Awards
Spotlight Awards Program Excellence: Arts
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in the delivery of unique arts-related events or programs.
2020 Recipients: District Drama | White River Community Activities Program
2021 Recipients: No Nominations
Health & Wellness
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in the delivery of parks and recreation programs and services that promote healthy lifestyles and community wellness.
2020 Recipient: Summer Meal Program | City of Lynnwood
2021 Recipients: Operation Senior Meal Drop | Tukwila Parks & Recreation
Initiatives
This award recognizes an outstanding achievement in the delivery of parks and recreation programs and services that caters to the needs of the community.
2020 Recipient: Whole Child Initiative | Metro Parks Tacoma
2021 Recipients: No Nominations
Innovative Programming
This award recognizes an outstanding achievement in the delivery of parks and recreation programs and services that are unique and cutting edge. Successfully address a community need.
2020 Recipients:
- The Bridge Music Project | City of Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation
- Spokane Youth Card | City of Spokane Parks & Recreation
- Pierce Outdoor LIFE | Pierce County Parks
2021 Recipients:
- School Day Olywahoo! | City of Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation
- Haunted Headlights | Pierce County Parks
Special Events
This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the delivery of parks and recreation programs and services that help cater to the needs of the community.
2020 Recipient: So Bazaar | City of Redmond
2021 Recipient: Old Settlers Variety Show | City of Ferndale
Spotlight Awards in Facilities, Parks & Trails Recipients
Watch Awards
Indoor Spaces
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in indoor facilities (defined as having a roof and walls) that have a recreational use component.
2020 Recipients: No Nominations
2021 Recipients: The Pullman Recreation Center | City of Pullman Parks, Facilities & Recreation
Outdoor Spaces
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in outdoor areas that have a recreational use component.
2020 Recipients:
- Yesler Terrace Park | Seattle Parks & Recreation
- Downtown Park | City of Redmond
- Summit Park | City of Maple Valley
- U.S. Pavilion & Howard Street Promenade Riverfront Spokane | City of Spokane Parks & Recreation
2021 Recipients:
- Wenberg Park | Snohomish County Parks & Recreation
Trails
Recognize outstanding achievement in outdoor areas that have a recreational use component.
2020 Recipients: No Nominations
2021 Recipients: No Nominations
Mickey Corso Leadership Grant
The Mickey Corso Professional Leadership Grant was created as a tribute to Mickey Corso (1942–1990) and to his inspiring leadership skills in the recreation and park field. Each year, this grant is awarded to deserving professionals who are looking to further their education and leadership skills.
2020 Recipients:
- Bophary "Bo" Du, City of Burien Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
- Chad Harvell, City of Tumwater Parks & Recreation
- Kelly McGinley Ashe, City of Cheney Parks & Recreation Department
2021 Recipients:
- Jeff Betz, Mountlake Terrace Recreation & Parks
- Austin Horner, Redmond Parks & Recreation
Watch the Entire Awards Ceremony On WRPA YouTube
Learn More About the Awards
Learn more about the WRPA Awards Program and be sure to submit nominations for future awards. It is important to celebrate your amazing work and the work of your team and colleagues.