The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently announced the recipients of this year’s awards for innovation in health and wellness, equity, conservation, and park design.

On May 20, 2024, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) announced the winners of this year’s Innovation Awards which recognize park and recreation agencies nationwide that have improved and strengthened their communities through innovative practices in health and wellness, equity, conservation, and park design.
The recipients of this year’s awards are as follows:
- Innovation in Health Award: SwimSmart Initiative, Waukegan Park District, Waukegan, Illinois
- Innovation in Equity Award: Signs of Belonging, Ramsey County Parks and Recreation, Maplewood, Minnesota
- Innovation in Conservation Award: Ford Fair Lane Estate Fishway, Wayne County Parks and Recreation, Westland, Michigan
- Innovation in Park Design Award: Glass City Metropark, Metroparks Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
The NRPA also announced the recipients of Spotlight Awards which recognize individuals for their efforts, both professional and personal, in the field of parks and recreation. For details, please read the source article.
NRPA is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With over 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being.
FULL STORY: NRPA Recognizes Excellence in Parks and Recreation With the Innovation and Spotlight Awards

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