Awards &
Recognition
Designed to honor outstanding achievements and careers in Illinois parks, recreation, and conservation, giving professionals an opportunity to celebrate colleagues and agencies.
Illinois Park Professionals Yearly Soirée
Step into the spotlight at the IPPYS—celebrating excellence, leadership, and impact while showing gratitude for those working daily in the parks and recreation industry.
Heart of Parks & Rec
Celebrating the unsung heroes of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation.
- Demonstrates exceptional dedication to serving the community
- Often goes above and beyond typical job duties without seeking recognition
- Displays a positive impact on guests, staff, or park operations
- Embodies the spirit and values of Parks & Recreation
- Contributes to creating joyful, safe, and inclusive outdoor and recreational experiences
Say What? Award
Highlighting the quirkiest or most creative program or event name.
- Name demonstrates creativity, cleverness, or humor
- Reflects the identity or mission of the park, program, or event
- Resonates with the public or helps improve community engagement
- Stands out from typical industry naming conventions
- Represents branding that enhances recognition or attendance
Oops Award
Celebrating amusing fails—creative sign placements, funniest maintenance stories, and worst photos.
- Represents an honest mistake or unexpected mishap that resulted in humor rather than harm
- Story, photo, or moment is entertaining and family-friendly
- Reflects the ability of staff or teams to embrace imperfections with positivity
- Showcases the fun side of working in Parks, Recreation, and Conservation
DIY Hero Award
Recognizing creative use of supplies to accomplish something for an event, activity, or game.
- Demonstrates innovative or resourceful problem-solving
- Uses limited resources or unconventional materials in a successful way
- Results in improved event quality, participant experience, or staff efficiency
- Reflects creativity and practicality combined
- Can include repurposing materials, building items, or crafting program enhancements
Trailblazer Award
Recognizing innovative ideas in Parks, Recreation, and Conservation.
- Introduces a new idea, program, policy, or technology
- Demonstrates measurable impact or clear improvement in services
- Shows leadership in advancing the field of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation
- Inspires other agencies or sets new standards
- Represents forward-thinking, inclusive, or sustainable initiatives
Lifetime of Laughs
Honoring someone who has brought joy to the field throughout the decades.
- At least 15+ years of involvement in Parks, Recreation, and Conservation
- Known for a consistently positive, uplifting presence
- Has contributed to workplace culture through humor, joy, and camaraderie
- Represents long-term dedication to the profession
- Leaves a meaningful, memorable impact on colleagues and the community
Individual Conference Awards
Young Professional of the Year
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Professional of the Year
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Community Impact Award
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Robert Artz Lifetime Achievement
Applications are considered for up to 3 years. Nominees must still be active in the field and cannot be retired.
Apply NowAgency Conference Awards
Outstanding Park or Facility
Recognizing exceptional design and development of new or renovated parks and recreation facilities.
Outstanding Program or Event
Honoring innovation in program development and memorable special event planning and execution.
Exceptional Workplace
Celebrating agencies demonstrating outstanding culture and employee engagement excellence. $60 fee · Survey due Nov 8
Champions for Change
Recognizing agencies with exemplary practices increasing access, diversity, and inclusion in their community.
Joint Distinguished Agency
A joint IAPD/IPRA accreditation recognizing agencies that meet high standards of operations, planning, and service delivery across all areas.
Update to Community Service Awards Program
Starting May 1st, 2024, our Community Service Awards are presented on a quarterly basis to ensure timely recognition of your community's vital contributions. Orders are placed on the final day of each quarter.
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Award History & Recipients
Explore our complete history of dedicated park professionals and agencies.
🏆 View Full Recipient Database