outstanding program winners

These awards recognize the organizations, institutions, or agencies for the development, implementation or coordination of the most outstanding programs. Programs must have been within 18 months of the submission date.

• Adaptive Program
• Active Adult 50+ Program
• Aquatics Program
• Cultural Awareness Program
• Educational Program
• Sports Program
• Youth Enrichment
• Community or Neighborhood Special Event – All Populations

Outstanding Media Award - Town of Marana

Outstanding Adaptive - City of Chandler

Outstanding Aquatic - Pima County

Outstanding Cultural - City of Goodyear

Outstanding Educational - Town of Oro Valley

Outstanding Sports - City of Apache Junction

Outstanding Youth Enrichment - City of Chandler

OutstanDING Special Event Winners

These awards recognize the organizations, institutions, or agencies for the development, implementation or coordination of the most outstanding programs. Programs must have been within 18 months of the submission date.

Three special events will be awarded based on the following population categories:

• 25,000 or Less 
• 25,001 - 100,000 
• 100,001 or More

Town of Morenci | Populations Under 25k

Town of Marana | Populations 25-100k 

City of Tempe | Populations 100k & Over

Natural Resources Award - City of Scottsdale

This award recognizes significant, innovative, and successful contributions of an agency toward quality of services within the area of park facilities and natural resource acquisitions, development, maintenance, and operations. This includes physical resources, equipment, or personnel with special attention to environmental awareness. Program, project or facility must be completed by the time of submission and not more than 18 months prior.

outstandING facility winners

This award recognizes the NEW construction or renovation of outstanding parks, recreation, and/or cultural facilities by an agency or organization affiliated with APRA. Facility must have been completed and opened/dedicated between April 2023 and April 2024. 

Town of Payson | Populations Under 25k 

City of Avondale | Populations 25k - 100k

City of Buckeye | Populations 100k & Over

Partnership Award - City of Avondale

This award recognizes the collaborations of the public/private groups or agencies that have made significant contributions in the field of parks, recreation, and/or cultural services.

Public Official of the Year - Mayor Joe Winfield

This award recognizes significant and consistent contributions made by an Arizona public official (elected or appointed) at the federal, state, or local level in furthering the quality of life as it relates to the parks, recreation, and/or cultural needs of his/her Arizona constituents. The individual must hold elected or appointed office at the federal, state, or local level; they may be paid or a volunteer.

Volunteer of the Year - B.J Bollier

This award recognizes lay persons or groups who have demonstrated consistent or outstanding volunteer service in their community and whose commitment has been in furthering the field of parks, recreation, and/or cultural and community services through excellence, service, and execution of their talents and skills.

Young Professional of the Year - Riley King

This award recognizes the outstanding achievements and accomplishments of young professionals. The candidate must be 35 years of age or younger as of December 31, 2024, and be a member of APRA and NRPA. They must have a minimum of 5 years experience as a leader, instructor, supervisor, administrator, consultant, or a combination of these in the field of parks and recreation. 

Park Professional of the Year - Dylan Pruitt

This award recognizes the continuous dedication of a park employee (including park rangers and aquatics maintenance) who has demonstrated outstanding service to the field of parks and recreation. Must have a minimum of five years’ experience in the area of parks, park maintenance, park management or park rangers.

Professional of the Year - Erica Perez

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated continuous contributions to the field of parks, recreation, and/or cultural services at the local, state, regional or national level. Must be a member of APRA and NRPA, and have a minimum of ten years’ experience in the field.

President's Award - Aaron Sanchez