2026 Annual Award Winners
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.
- Media Award
- Active Adult Program
- Adaptive Program
- Aquatics Program
- Cultural Awareness Program
- Educational Program
- Sports Program
- Youth Enrichment Program
Outstanding Media Award - #CantWaitWednesday, Marana
Outstanding Active Adult Program - Friendsgiving Bingo, Buckeye and Glendale
Outstanding Adaptive Program - Moving Forward, Goodyear
Outstanding Aquatic Program - Sharks Swim Program, Goodyear
Outstanding Cultural Program - Dia De Los Ninos, Casa Grande
Outstanding Educational Program - Wildlife Fair, Payson
Outstanding Sports Program - Cactus Yards Youth Indoor Soccer League, Gilbert
Outstanding Youth Enrichment - Teen Drive-In Movie, Queen Creek
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
25,000 - 100,000
100,001 or more
Pups in the Pines, Payson | Populations Under 25kÂ
Stars & Stripes Celebration, Sahuarita | Populations 25-100k Â
Surprise Party & Sparkling Surprise, Surprise | Population Over 100k
Outstanding Facility Winners
These awards recognize the organizations, institutions, or agencies for the development, implementation or coordination of the most outstanding facilities. Facilities must have been running within 18 months of the submission date.
Three special events will be awarded based on the following population categories:
25,000 or Less
25,000 - 100,000
100,001 or more
Selna Mongini S.T.E.A.M. Park, Clarkdale | Population under 25k
Marana Aquatic & Recreation Center, Marana | Population 25-100k
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale | Popuation Over 100k
Natural Resources Award - Native Plant Oasis, Chandler
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.
Partnership Award - Lost Dutchman Marathon, Apache Junction
These awards recognize collaborations between public and/or private groups or agencies that have made significant contributions in the field of parks, recreation, and cultural services. Nominations should highlight innovative, impactful, or successful joint efforts completed within the past 18 months.
Individual Awards
These awards recognize outstanding parks and recreation professionals for their dedication, innovation, and exceptional contributions to their field. Honorees demonstrate leadership, creativity, and a commitment to enhancing community programs, services, and experiences.
Outstanding Public Official - Nicole Buccellato, Florence
Volunteer of the Year - The Over The Hill Gang, Prescott
Young Professional of the Year - George Tole, Gilbert
Park Professional of the Year - Chris Walsh, Scottsdale
Professional of the Year - Tina Royer, Mesa
Lifetime Achievement Award - Jim Conroy, Marana
President's Award - Brandon Washington and George Tole
