Congratulations, 2022 Award Recipients!
This spring, we want to honor the amazing people, parks, and programs that received an award at the awards ceremony during the 75th Annual WRPA 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.
Professional Award Recipients
Emerging Professional Award
The Emerging Professional Award (formally known as Young Professional) 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>
2022 Recipient:
Gabbi Gonzales, City of Burien Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Impact and Influence Award
As the highest recognition bestowed by WRPA to an individual, the Impact and Influence Award (formally known as Honor Fellow) recognizes an individual’s dedication and 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. Read More>
2022 Recipient:
Roxanne Miles, Pierce County Parks and Recreation
Lasting Legacy Award
The Lasting Legacy Award (formally know as Distinguished Service) honors recently retired professionals for outstanding service in the field of parks and recreation. Read More>
2022 Recipients:
- Jeanne Blackburn, Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
- Patricia Petesch, City of Seattle Parks & Recreation Department
- Jonathon Turlove, Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation
President's Award
The President's Award allows the current WRPA President to honor an individual or organization of their choosing.
2022 Recipients:
- Candice Bock, Director of Government Relations, Association of Washington Cities
Jacob Ewing, Legislative and Policy Analyst, Association of Washington Cities
These individuals received this award for their tremendous efforts and partnership with WRPA in the development and administration of the $12 million in SEEK Funding to local parks and recreation agencies to expand summer outdoor education programs to the underserved and the ones most impacted by the COVID pandemic.
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>
2022 Recipient:
Shanyanika McElroy, City of Seattle Parks & Recreation Department
Citation of Merit Award Recipients
Citation of Merit Awards recognizes individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the field of parks and recreation.
Professional Award
This awards honors a park and recreation professional whose contributions to the field of parks and recreation and WRPA. Read More>
2022 Recipient:
No Nominations
Organization Award
This award honors an organization that has contributed to the field of parks and recreation. Read More>
2022 Recipient:
Green Tukwila Program, Tukwila Parks & Recreation
Legislative Champion Award
Honors legislators who champion programs and legislation that benefits the parks and recreation industry.
2022 Recipients:
Representative Andrew Barkis
Thank you for co-chairing an Outdoor Recreation Caucus which shines an important legislative spotlight on the vitality of the outdoor recreation sector.State Senator David Frockt
Thank you for a legislative career highlighted by your leadership as Senate Capital Budget Chair and by your decisions to invest in outdoor recreation programs which will leave a lasting legacy for Washington State.Senator Ron Muzzall
Thank you for co-chairing an Outdoor Recreation Caucus which shines an important legislative spotlight on the vitality of the outdoor recreation sector.- Senator T’wina Nobles
Thank you for co-chairing an Outdoor Recreation Caucus which shines an important legislative spotlight on the vitality of the outdoor recreation sector.Representative Cindy Ryu
Thank you for co-chairing an Outdoor Recreation Caucus which shines an important legislative spotlight on the vitality of the outdoor recreation sector.- State Representative Emily Wicks
Thank you for your strong advocacy of local funding options for parks and recreation agencies, for engaging Committee and bi-partisan support, and for pushing us to put a brighter equity lens on our industry.
Spotlight Awards in Program Excellence Recipients
Spotlight Awards recognize outstanding achievements by parks and recreation agencies.
Spotlight Awards Program Excellence: Equity, Health & Wellness
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in the delivery of parks and recreation programs and services that promote healthy lifestyles and community wellness.
2022 Recipient:
Reducing Conflicts & Perceived Conflicts Involving Bellevue's Natural Resources Through More Equitable Outreach, Bellevue Parks & Community Services
Spotlight Awards Program Excellence: 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.
2022 Recipients:
Wildlife Champions, Metro Parks Tacoma
Spotlight Awards Program Excellence: Arts/Other
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in the delivery of unique arts-related events or programs.
2022 Recipient:
City of Bellevue Parks and Community Services Bellevue Youth Theatre, Bellevue Parks & Community Services
Spotlight Awards in Facilities, Parks & Trails Recipients
Facilities
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in indoor facilities (defined as having a roof and walls) that have a recreational use component.
2022 Recipients | Population Under 100,000:
- Kenmore Public Boathouse, Kenmore Parks & Recreation
- Juanita Beach Park Bathhouse, Kirkland Parks & Community Services
Parks
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in outdoor areas that have a recreational use component.
2022 Recipients | Population Under 100,000:
Byers Family Park, City of Mukilteo Recreation & Cultural Services Department
2022 Recipients | Population Over 100,000:
- Dickman Mill Park Head Saw Restoration and Park Renovation, Metro Parks Tacoma
- West Fenwick Park, Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Trails
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in outdoor areas that have a recreational use component.
2022 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.
2022 Recipients:
- Jessica Compton, Shore Metropolitan Park District
- Rachel Gilbert, Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services
- Sylvana Niehuser, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation
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.
Learn More
Past Award Winners:
A Special Message of Inclusion from WRPA
In early 2021, a joint retreat was held between members of the Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) Committee and the WRPA Board of Directors. The purpose of the retreat was to discuss the culture of our association, while also identifying a work 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.
We are excited to announce—thanks to the leaders of the Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee—we have begun a phased approach to updating our award categories and the associated criteria. In hopes of creating a more inclusive awards program, we are taking the initial steps of modernization of some of the category names as well as updating evaluation criteria. While this is 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 annual awards program, WRPA looks to honor career-long and emerging leaders alike. As 2021 draws to a close and we reflect on the many accomplishments of our industry, we would encourage each of you to review the revised criteria below and then submit nominations for the incredible co-workers, supervisors, and staff we are all surrounded by.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Papich, WRPA President 2021-2022Paul Simmons, WRPA Past President 2021-2022
Shanyanika McElroy, Co-Chair of WRPA's Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee 2021-2022