November 2009 - Parks & Recreation - 58

N R PA I n A c t i o n

NRPA National Awards
Recognizing Excellence in Parks and Recreation
By Jackie Wallenstein

a r k and r ec r eation professionals
work hard so that others can play hard. To these individuals, it's not about a large salary or strict eight-hour work
days. Job satisfaction comes from teaching a child to swim-
watching active retirees socialize-and seeing families interact
with nature and each other in their facilities. It's important to take
the time to recognize the professionals and citizens who go above
and beyond in serving their communities.
The NRPA National Awards Program has been recognizing outstanding parks and recreation efforts since 1956. Many awards have
existed since that time, while others have come and gone based on
current trends in the field. This year, for the first time, NRPA presented the Barb King Environmental Awards to recognize an individual
and an agency who had made significant contributions to lead their
community in a more sustainable future. Eleven additional awards
were presented this year to both individuals and agencies that stood
out from the rest. Award recipients are decided upon by the NRPA
National Forum Awards Committee.
The NRPA National Awards were presented at the 2009 NRPA
Congress and Exposition in Salt Lake City, Utah. The award recipients were showcased during the Closing General Session on
Friday, October 16th.
2009 NRPA National Award Recipients
National Distinguished Professional Award-Presented to an individual in the field who has made noteworthy contributions over
a period of time to parks, recreation, and conservation.
The 2009 NRPA National Distinguished Professional Award
recipient is John McGovern of Hoffman Estates, Illinois. John
began his career in 1975 as a Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor
in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is now the President of Recreation Accessibility Consultants. John has inspired countless parks
and recreation professionals, particularly in the area of inclusion
of people with disabilities.
National Humanitarian Award-Presented to an individual or
organization whose concern for and dedication to humanity has
been expressed through park, recreation, and conservation efforts
that have enriched the lives of people.
The 2009 NRPA National Humanitarian Award recipient is J.
Garth Elzea of Springfield, Illinois. Garth's nomination referenced
his outstanding contributions to the Springfield Park District, more
specifically for spearheading the development of a new park in
Springfield, Illinois through his business success, leadership, and
community involvement.
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Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award recipient is
Carolyn Hollingsworth of Fairview Park, Ohio.

Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award-Presented to a
young professional who exemplifies parks and recreation legend
Bob Crawford's innovative leadership, planning, and development
of creative community leisure opportunities.
The 2009 NRPA Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award
recipient is Carolyn Hollingsworth of Fairview Park, Ohio. For
seven years, Carolyn has served as the Aquatics/Facilities Manager for Cleveland Metroparks. She is involved in NRPA through
the National Aquatics Branch Board, and has been recognized
locally by the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association as well as
on a national level with the American Red Cross " Hero " Award.
Recognition of Significant Efforts or ROSE Award-Honors those
who have gone the extra mile to advance parks and recreation in
their communities.
The 2009 NRPA R.O.S.E. Award recipient is Sue Black of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Sue has been involved in the park and recreation field for more
than 25 years. She began her career in Green Lake, Wisconsin
as a Park and Recreation Department Director. Currently, Sue is
the Director of Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Culture.
KUDOS Marketing and Communication Awards-Recognize
agencies that best market or communicate the value of recreation to the public.
The recipient of the 2009 Kudos Award for an agency with a
population of less than 100,000 is the City of Green River, Wyoming. Green River's " Parks, People, and Programs " theme spread
across all of their marketing materials. Their warm and open

November 2009 - Parks & Recreation

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