WRPA Honors 2026 Awards Recipients at Annual Conference
The Washington Recreation & Park Association (WRPA) proudly recognized outstanding professionals, agencies, and programs during the 2026 WRPA Awards Ceremony held at the WRPA Annual Conference.
Each year, the WRPA Awards Program celebrates excellence in parks and recreation throughout Washington State, honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, service, and dedication positively impact their communities and the profession.
Congratulations to the 2026 award recipients! View the awards slideshow.
Slideshow
MICKEY CORSO LEADERSHIP GRANT RECIPIENTS
The Mickey Corso Leadership Grant supports professional development opportunities for emerging leaders in parks and recreation. 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.
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Jose Rodriguez City of Mount Vernon Parks Department Funds will support attendance at NRPA Supervisor Management School. |
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Andrew Fuzak City of Spokane Parks and Recreation Funds will support attendance at the National Outdoor Leadership School: Risk Management for Administrators. |
PROFESSIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS
The WRPA Professional Awards celebrate outstanding individuals in parks and recreation, from emerging leaders and unsung heroes to influential advocates, retired professionals, and those advancing legislative priorities—honoring dedication, impact, and lasting contributions to the field.
Levy Legislative Award
The Levy Legislative Award recognizes outstanding advocacy and leadership in legislative and public policy efforts that support parks and recreation.
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Mary Dodsworth Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, City of Lakewood |
Lasting Legacy Award Recipients
The Lasting Legacy Award honors recently retired professionals for outstanding service and dedication to the field of parks and recreation.
Recipients included:
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Alice Busch — City of Spokane Parks & Recreation |
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Pam Fehrman — City of Bellevue |
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Jennifer Ogden — City of Spokane Parks & Recreation |
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Mary Dodsworth — City of Lakewood |
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Michael Shiosaki — Bellevue Parks & Community Services |
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Monica Tubberville — Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services |
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Ted Mittelstaedt — Bellevue Parks & Community Services |
Ron C. Davis II Unsung Hero Award
This award recognizes individuals whose unwavering commitment, leadership, and service make a meaningful impact behind the scenes throughout the profession.
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Kris Kelly Tukwila Parks & Recreation |
Emerging Professional Award
The Emerging Professional Award recognizes rising leaders who demonstrate exceptional promise and commitment to the future of parks and recreation.
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Sierra Kross Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District |
Impact & Influence Award
As WRPA’s highest individual honor, the Impact & Influence Award recognizes exceptional dedication, leadership, and achievement in the field of parks and recreation.
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Jennifer Wills City of Longview |
CITATION OF MERIT AWARD
The Citation of Merit Award honors individuals and organizations for significant contributions to the parks and recreation profession.
Individual Award
This award honors a park and recreation professional whose contributions to the field of parks and recreation and WRPA.
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Julie Piper City of Richland |
Community Award
This award recognizes individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the field of park and recreation.
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Patti Crane Washington Cities Insurance Authority |
SPOTLIGHT AWARDS
WRPA Spotlight Awards recognize excellence in programming, parks, facilities, trails, and community impact.
Program Excellence: Equity, Health & Wellness (population under 100,000)
- Puyallup Parks & Recreation, Move Puyallup
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in delivering parks and recreation programs and services that promote healthy lifestyles and community wellness.
Program Excellence: Equity, Health & Wellness (population over 100,000
- Parks Tacoma, The Senior Hub
Innovative Programming (population under 100,000)
- Kirkland Parks and Community Services, Kirkland International Night Market
This award recognizes an outstanding achievement in the delivery of parks and recreation programs and services that are unique, cutting-edge, and has successfully addressed a community need.
Innovative Programming (population over 100,000)
- Parks Tacoma, Senior Resource Fair
Other Program, Initiative, or Special Event (population under 100,000)
- City of Covington, Superhero Social
This award recognizes programs, initiatives, or special events that celebrate community character.
Other Program, Initiative, or Special Event (population over 100,000)
- Pierce County Parks and Recreation, Light the Lake
Spotlight Awards in Facilities, Parks & Trails Recipients
Spotlight Awards highlight excellence and achievements in parks and recreation by honoring the remarkable efforts of public agencies and design firms. Facilities & Parks Awards recognize the highest standards in design, development, and renovation of park and recreation areas.
Indoor Spaces (population under 100,000)
- Peninsula Metropolitan Parks District, PenMet Parks Recreation Center
Outdoor Spaces (population under 100,000)
- City of Shoreline, Richmond Highlands Park
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in outdoor areas that have a recreational use component.
Outdoor Spaces (population over 100,000)
- City of Olympia, Parks, Arts, and Recreation, Grass Lake Nature Park Trail
- City of Bellevue, Parks & Community Services, Bellevue Adventure Park
Trails (population under 100,000)
- City of Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation, Grass Lake Nature Park Trail
Trails (population over 100,000)
- City of Bellevue, The Eastgate Pedestrian Pathway
Champions of Change Award
The Champions of Change Award recognizes agencies demonstrating innovative and exemplary practices in inclusion, access, sustainability, and social equity.
Tolt Triangle
City of Carnation
President’s Award
The President’s Award recognizes extraordinary service and contributions to WRPA and the parks and recreation profession.
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Darlene Sellers King County Parks & Recreation Division |
WRPA extends its sincere congratulations to all recipients and thanks the Awards Committee, sponsors, and conference attendees for helping celebrate excellence across the profession.
Save the date for the 2027 WRPA Conference & Tradeshow in Spokane, Washington, May 11–14, 2027.
