74th annual award winners |
Our Annual Awards honor communities throughout the State of Arizona that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management and innovative approaches to delivering superb park and recreation services with fiscally sound business practices. The APRA Award Program includes twenty-one categories. At the beginning of each October, agencies are invited to submit applications for consideration. Award winning recipients are announced at the ARPA Annual Conference. A committee of park and recreation professionals reviews and scores all application materials. Committee members are chosen for their considerable experience and knowledge in the field parks and recreation on both local and national levels. Winners are announced at the annual APRA Conference in August. More information on awards here. |
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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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12950 N 7th Street | Phoenix AZ 85022 @AZParksRec |